The Empire Strikes Back

Now according to UEFA, Chelsea's allegation of Rijkaard and Frisk meeting in Frisk's room could not have been witnessed by those in the official report, namely JM, Steve Clarke and Les Miles (part of Chelsea's Technical Team) because the dressing room was nowhere in sight from where the three instigators were viewing from. It is said that UEFA sent a delegation of representatives to the Nou Camp with architect plans of the Nou Camp under their arms and they systematically dismissed Chelsea's claims of the event ever happening.

William Gaillard, UEFA's director of communications, seems to have found Chelsea guilty already and cannot wait to pull the hangman's noose round Chelsea's quickly and tightly as he possibly can. Gaillard whose words which do make disturbing reading, said 'They were basically using lies as a pre-match tactic (for the second leg at Stamford Bridge which Chelsea won 4-2). They were trying to qualify for the next round by putting pressure on referees and officials through false statements. They were ready to use disloyal methods and, frankly, this is totally and completely unacceptable. We cannot allow the slandering of match officials or lies to become part of pre-match tactics. Chelsea were involved in a conspiracy to put pressure on the match officials. And what they were doing can lead to violent acts by supporters." Well basically Gaillard might just as well saved himself his lengthy statement and just used one word. Cheats. Well at the end of the day that is what he is accusing Chelsea of doing, and that is cheating.

Obviously he is over exaggerating the 'violent acts of supporters' as there were none. Of course we cannot forget the threats made to Frisk and his family, these cannot be tolerated, but UEFA and Gaillard have convicted Chelsea no doubt and are just waiting to administer the punishment.

Hmm the punishment! The punishment could be anything from the following list: Disqualify Chelsea from the Champions League, Warning from Mourinho, Reprimand for both Mourinho and Chelsea, Fine, Touchline ban, Replay Match, Award Barcelona match by default. (Already in Barcelona, the Catalans are looking forward to be returning to this years competition).

As UEFA are preparing to 'throw the book' at Chelsea, let's try and put all of this into perspective. No doubt Chelsea has been naughty. But how naughty? They have hardly committed murder, or strangled the life out of the moral fibre of human nature, all they have done is created an aura of mischievousness.

But what do UEFA do when 'real' football crimes are committed. Fine Spain a couple of bob for the racist abuse directed at English players in the recent friendly in Madrid. Ordered Roma to play their remaining Champion League games behind closed doors after Mr Frisk was struck and cut above the eye when officiating earlier this season. How about Luis Aragones disgraceful racist comments towards Arsenal's Thierry Henry? No action, not even a telling off. Also what about Real Madrid's fans and their disgraceful racist abuse directed towards the players of Bayer Levekusen? Let off with a pitiful fine. What about Eto'o's flying phelgm directed at a Chelsea steward after the game at Stamford Bridge, regardless of racist remarks? No action let alone any formal UEFA comment. And lastly the Buck Tooth's one temper tantrum also at the end of the games at Stamford Bridge. No action, no comment.

This isn't sour grapes, this isn't anything like it. But you simply cannot have a European Football Federation threatening all and sundry for a 'crime' less serious than those more graver ones listed above treated leniently.

KEEP THE BLUE FLAG FLYING HIGH!