Chelsea FC - Bad boys of Europe ? 3rd March 2000 : I'm becoming increasingly worried at the way Chelsea fans are gradually being stitched up as the sole instigators of the small amount of trouble at the Marseille game. I've read two eye witness reports, one from Patrick Hennessy, a respected journalist travelling as a fan - read this - and from what they say, the way Chelsea fans were treated by stewards and the CRS (French police riot squad) was literally criminal, with allegations of false imprisonment surfacing, amongst the usual sadistic displays of violence that the CRS are famous for. Before people start trotting out the usual sanctimonious drivel about Chelsea hooligans getting what they deserved, we're not talking about hooligans here. The people involved include women, children and elderly people. I am trying to get in contact with people who were at the game, so that I can get a better idea of what actually went on. If anyone who was there is interested in having their account published, or even just letting me know your side of it privately, please email me. It will really help, and I will keep your name off the site if you wish. What really worries me is that Chelsea are going to be unjustly crucified by UEFA, as has happened before. We've got to stand up for ourselves, because nobody else will, and I reluctantly include the Club in that - they have their own agenda keeping UEFA sweet, so us fans can't expect any help from them. Unfair? Prove me wrong. Chelsea have an appalling record for not listening to or supporting their loyal fans, and it doesn't help that there's an autocrat at the top who deals with dissent by the simple but effective sanction of banning the offender for life. © 2000 Priesty's Chelsea FC Refuge.