Why did Buck meet the Chelsea players?
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck met with the group on Monday morning before training to discuss the club’s decision to join the European Super League.
It is believed Chelsea’s players were not happy about the plans and are in a state of shock over what happened.
They also expressed concern about the consequences of the decision given by governing bodies threatening to ban the players involved in major tournaments. The European Championships are only a few months away.
There was also dismay that the positive run under Thomas Tuchel, including the victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, was completely overshadowed.
What happened at Stamford Bridge?
Chelsea fans gathered at Stamford Bridge throughout the afternoon, clearly unhappy with their club’s participation in the Super League proposals. They gathered in large numbers and rumbled, unleashing torches and blocking traffic ahead of tonight’s game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Chelsea legend and technical director Petr Cech has pleaded with protesters outside Stamford Bridge to protest their club’s involvement in the proposed Super League.
Cech told protesters: “I know, give everyone time.”
He also pleaded with the crowd to allow the team bus into the stadium.
What next?
Chelsea’s decision to walk away from the Super League dramatically increases the pressure on the 11 remaining teams, with five from the Premier League.
Players participating in the Super League have already been warned by UEFA that they will be banned from the World Cup and the European Championships if the breakaway takes place.
Supporters of all five of the remaining Premier League teams have all voiced their opposition, while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised that the government will consider dropping “a legislative bomb” to prevent English clubs from joining a to break away Super League.
(Photo: Chris Lee – Chelsea FC / Chelsea FC via Getty Images)