How Chelsea supporters' European Super League protest could influence takeover talks

It was shortly after 6.15pm that Petr Cech decided to take action. So the Chelsea legend strode towards the hostile crowd that had gathered outside of Stamford Bridge to protest against the club's reckless and ultimately short-lived decision to sign up to the European Super League.

Cech was booed by supporters, many of whom had arrived an hour earlier, as he approached. All the former goalkeeper had achieved in his playing career meant little at that point. He was viewed as just another member of the club hierarchy who was complicit in a decision that threatened to tear apart the fabric of English football.

"Give us time," Cech yelled. "Let the people sort it out." And in the offices at Stamford Bridge, that is exactly what was happening at a frantic pace. That night's Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion had become an afterthought, an annoyance even given supporters appeared intent on denying the players entry to the stadium.

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"I personally felt a real sense of danger to everything I held dear about the club I've loved and the club that has been such a huge part of my life since the age of five," writer Daniel Childs recalls. "Being able to fight against more than just opposition to a terrible idea, but what I personally care about as a supporter was important. I feel like we talk a lot about issues and what frustrates us about modern football, but this was a chance to actually do something and act. It would be lazy of me not to show up."

"From minute one, the togetherness of the protest was clear to see," remembers Scott Clayton, editor. "We all hated the idea and didn't want to be associated with it. I