I sat watching the Uefa Cup clash between Portsmouth and A.C. Milan with great admiration. This wasn't just because the 2-2 thriller was a fantastic game of football, but it was the cacophony of constant noise from the Fratton Park faithful.
The chanting, the banter, the unrequited passion—call me old fashioned but for me that's what being a spectator at a football match is all about. It left me thinking, why can't Stamford Bridge be like this?
Why is it that when I attend most games I feel like I am at a funeral wake? I find it bizarre that if I make an enthusisatic utterance of support towards my team the usual outcome is to be met with passive disdain from my fellow Chelsea 'supporters'.
Granted, this was Pompey's biggest match in their entire history so it was never going to be a damp squib, but it seems to me that Portsmouth fans always seem to make much more of a noise than the home crowd at Chelsea matches.
An outsider who knows nothing of Chelsea may presume that the Blues imperious record breaking (but now defunct) home record may have had something to do with a partisan crowd who in essence acted as that famous and overly used cliche, the "twelfth man".
Well, if they came down to the Bridge today they would be in for a big surprise, as they will hear abusive chants from away supporters about how vocally challenged our support is. The response to such accusations is usually minimal, thus reinforcing such accusations about being "****".
It seems that affluency plays a part. Ticket prices at Chelsea are very high compared to most clubs and therefore this has attracted a more middle class crowd who have a different and much quieter mindset to football match ettiquette. The rich West London area of Fulham is also attractive to tourists who come to a game as part of their trip to the U.K..
Of course they are not accustomed to the club in terms of chants and so have merely come to be entertained for a one-off occasion. Referring back to the impressive Pompey faithful, the people who go to watch them are less transient in regard to their interest in the side.
These are fans who are primarily working class and with the roots of football originally stemming from working class culture, Pompey supporters still interact with the game in this tradition, ergo they shout and sing as it is inherently normal to them.
Sure, people have paid for their ticket and can do what they want when in the ground, but for me getting behind your team and making a noise helps gain a real identity and affinity with your side. Call me a footballing snob, but if people want to be entertained in silence maybe they should go to the theatre?
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about 1 month ago
That's part of the reason why I typically don't like watching games involving Chelsea (or Liverpool for that matter) at home. Too quiet. It's sad when I heard more noise during the MLS Cup between Columbus and NYRB than I do coming out of Stamford Bridge or Anfield, with both holding 2x-3x more people.
Say what you will about teams like Fulham, Pompey, et all ... but at least their fans know how to enjoy a match.
about 1 month ago
You've hit the nail on the head. I see the Chelsea going to and from the game every now and again and truth be told they mostly resemble a rugby crowd more than football. I think the way the area has changed is the problem. The area of Chelsea is absolutely nothing like it was 100 years ago. They should sell up and move. Imagine what the lands worth!
about 1 month ago
I'm just wondering Brandon how many games you have been to at Anfield??
They have an amazing atmosphere (i will admit, certain games maybe not as loud as others) but to say that Fulham, Pompey....with that dick constantly ringing that bell have better atmospheres is a bit offside!
about 1 month ago
Anfield was dead the other night Gary. Anyway that Portsmouth game was great to watch for neutrals and the crowd only enhanced the action. Surely the hardcore chelsea fans have season tickets, and are therefore guaranteed a presence at the games. So that at least should ensure some consistent level of volume and vocal support. If those people aren't singing then they should be.
about 1 month ago
Gary, Tte majority of noise comes from the North Stand where the more 'hardcore' supporters sit. The away support is in the Shed End so banter is minimal and the other three stands are not as noisy hence why the ground is quieter then it should be.
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