Even Chelsea’s Groundstaff Were in a Fighting Mood Yesterday

By: Daryl | April 27th, 2008

Man Utd scuffle

No doubt that Chelsea’s players showed a lot of fight yesterday. Just ask Nemanja Vidic, who got a knee to the chin after eight minutes, courtesy of Didier Drogba. And even after Riacrdo Carvalho’s absolute gift of a backpass/throughball for Wayne Rooney’s equalizer wiped out their 1-0 lead from Michael Ballack’s header, the Blues soldiered on to claim a late 2-1 win and very much loosen Man Utd’s grip on the 2007/8 Premiership trophy.

But it wasn’t just the players who were up for a fight. The groundstaff were ready to do battle with Man Utd’s players too.

Apparently Patrice Evra, Gary Neville, Park Ji-Sung and Paul Scholes were all warming down on the pitch after the final whistle, but were asked to move along by Chelsea’s groundstaff. A big barney followed, and was captured on camera for all to see (above.)

“We will be studying the CCTV footage of the incident and take whatever action is appropriate,” is all a Chelsea spokesperson would say.

You might think four professional athletes in peak condition vs some probably-not-in-peak condition groundstaff is an unfair fight. But bear in mind that groundstaff usually carry forks.

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand was busy picking fights of his own. Albeit unintentionally. Apparently the Man Utd captain accidentally kicked a female steward while attempting to take his frustrations out on a brick wall after the final whistle. Ferdinand has apologized profusely and has apparently arranged for a bouquet of flowers to be sent to said steward today. A gentlemanly gesture, especially compared to certain other Premier League footballers.

Still, Man Utd fans might be a little worried by their heroes showing obvious signs of frustration. With just two games to go in the Premier League, it’s all about holding your nerve. Assuming Chelsea don’t start winning games 10-0 and make up the goal difference, all Man Utd have to do is either equal or better Cheslea’s results in the final two games. Here’s who’s playing who.

Man Utd
vs West Ham (home) May 3rd, 2008
vs Wigan (away) May 11th, 2008

Chelsea
vs Newcastle (away) May 5th, 2008
vs Bolton (home) May 11th, 2008