Magic of the Cup Lost on the Daytrippers at Stamford Bridge

Brining a tuna sandwich to a press conference
is also just taking the piss

Another FA Cup weekend done and dusted. Time to reflect on the ‘magic’ of it. Because what would the FA Cup be without constant inane chat of magic? Matt Smith’s goal that just about avoided being a handball from a keeper who forgot what box he was in was as close as it got this weekend. Arsenal’s loss to Blackburn wasn’t so much magic as it was comedic genius. Only made better by arguably one of the best press conferences Arsene Wenger has ever given. If you haven’t had a chance to see it or read the transcript, do yourselves a favour.

Particular highlights include, but are not limited to asking Neil Ashton why he’s looking at him - you know, at his press conference. Pointing out that no one has more FA Cups than him (except for Ferguson and George Ramsay - but let’s not let facts get in the way). And his anger and suspicion of the rumours that he’s about to be handed a new contract. Refusing to speak either of the previous game at Blackburn or the Bayern Munich team didn’t really leave any of the journalists in that presser many options for questions.

Back to the actual football rather than the rants of anyone other than myself. Someone may have want to let the Premier League clubs playing against lower league opposition on Sunday that putting 4 past them really undermines the whole notion of magic in the cup.

What else could ruin the magic summoned by this trophy? I warn you now - this isn’t going to be pretty - but many of the 'supporters' who turn up for these games. Cup games are not included with my season ticket so you have the option to buy your seat before some absolute plonker has the opportunity to ruin everyone’s day out. With the number of fixtures and the cost of those games, many people opt out of a replay against Brentford.

What that means of course is anyone who has bought their own seat is probably surrounded by a number of day trippers who may or may not have ever attended - or even watched a football match before in their lives. The highlights Sunday made for a grimmer experience than Ashton had with Wenger. It definitely seemed to bring your bird / children / packed lunch day with you this Sunday.

I'm used to the ever changing faces around me through any cup competition. And have even visited the odd other stand myself. So although not a surprise, was still ridiculous who ended up sitting in the MHL. I expected the inane chat, the questions about who certain players are, and the very loose understanding of the actual rules of the game. But a breaking point was reached with the constant requests to sit down. You’re at a football match, not the opera. There are stands that incur a great deal of sitting - if you fancy it, go sit there. 

Six rows from the corner flag in the Matthew Harding Lower is not the place for sitting, shushing or stealing. It is not a place to break out tuna sandwiches you’ve brought at half time and then get arsey when someone wants to go and grab a pint. It is also not the worst day of your life when someone wants back in their seat before the second half begins and it has interrupted your picnic. It is also not a place to shout for Lampard when it is Juan Mata taking the free kick. The kick was away from us, if you don't recognise the player by sight, you can just read the name on the back of their shirt. I’m sorry that Frank Lampard is  the only player you know. And since we’re here discussing decorum in the stands, taking a program out of someone’s jacket pocket 15 minutes into the game and denying you did it is poor form. Well in to that man who also had two kids with him. You seem like a great example for your kids to live up to.

Arguably it’s the first time in weeks that there’s been more nonsense in the stands at Stamford Bridge than on the pitch. If you’re a season ticket holder, do everyone a favour and just buy your seat. 

jb x