Chelsea, football’s grim reality and the ‘huge opportunity’ to change the sport’s ownership model

Chelsea fans enjoyed a fleeting moment of joy and exhilaration sparked by the genius of Kai Havertz after 88 minutes of frustration on Sunday. That sublime goal was a welcome distraction to many after a turbulent week, but the cold reality bites today amid the uncertain future of the club. A peculiar atmosphere greeted those in attendance for the match against Newcastle following the financial restrictions imposed on Roman Abramovich. It was a grim outlook for the Premier League as the two clubs that best represent the height of sportswashing fought it out for three points.

The uncomfortable background, from the government sanctions on the Blues to the execution of 81 people on Saturday in Saudi Arabia, was only intensified by the visiting supporters. The Toon Army revelled in their own newfound wealth from their Saudi benefactors, while lauding the miserable outlook of their opponents with Saudi flags seen fluttering in the Shed End throughout.

It is important to state that there is a sizeable contingent of the Chelsea’s fanbase who hold resentment towards the government, failing to observe the bigger picture with their selfish reactions. One fan held up a sign outside Stamford Bridge with the message: “Don’t use Chelsea for your bull**** politics".

But there is also genuine sympathy from the majority towards those impacted by the war in Ukraine, with Abramovich’s name almost exclusively heard just from Newcastle fans in their attempts to antagonise their counterparts.

“It is bad to have people who come in and wipe their international slate clean by buying big clubs,” said Luke, a Chelsea supporter, realising the gravity of the situation. “It’s complicated though, but there needs to be clear rules, it’s top-down, I