Boris Johnson calls European Super League ‘a cartel’
Chelsea host Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League tonight, with the home team set to withdraw from the planned European Super League.
The Blues had been one of the six top-flight clubs in England set to be involved in the breakaway tournament, with Manchester United, Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham also among the 12 overall participants. News of plans around The Super League has been met with widespread criticism, however, and Chelsea fans took to the streets around Stamford Bridge ahead of kick-off tonight to protest their club’s involvement, with Petr Cech attempting to calm the crowd. Shortly thereafter, reports emerged that Chelsea would withdraw from the tournament, and The Independent understands that the club is preparing to do so. Man City have become the first club to formally begin the withdrawal process.
Thomas Tuchel and his players must focus on this evening’s game and opponents Brighton, though, as Graham Potter’s travelling team have a lot still to play for this season. Chelsea would go third tonight with a win and have a Champions League semi-final ahead – as things stand – and an FA Cup final, but Brighton are down in 16th place, six points off the bottom three with seven games left to play this term. Victory here would be huge for the Seagulls. Follow live updates from Chelsea vs Brighton in the Premier League below, as well as all the post-match reaction.
Michael Jones20 April 2021 22:27
Lallana on the European Super League
It is surreal. I was saying to one of the other lads I had this funny feeling all day. When we heard teams had pulled out it went away. I am not sure what has happened during the game. What has been shown is that together we are stronger than anything. It is great to see everyone coming together as one. We want games like this to have meaning. We are fighting for our lives, Chelsea are going for the Champions league.”
Michael Jones20 April 2021 22:22
Reaction from Brighton’s Adam Lallana
We had a couple of chances at the end. I should have buried mine. That is what football is about – the underdogs coming here tonight. We were outstanding and should have taken three points.
“Huge positive again, like all season. We will keep plugging away and get more points on the board. We have a world class manager and good players, The lads are taking his instructions on board. We believe we are going to get points at big clubs.”
Michael Jones20 April 2021 22:19
Chelsea 0 – 0 Brighton
90+4 mins: Full-time. The points are shared at Stamford Bridge. It’s Brighton’s first ever point away at Chelsea. The Blues move into fourth, going ahead of West Ham on goal difference. Brighton have a seven point cushion on Fulham who remain in the relegation zone. Overall a fair result for both teams.
Michael Jones20 April 2021 22:10
Chelsea 0 – 0 Brighton
90+2 mins: Red card! Oh dear, Callum Hudson-Odoi break into space on the left wing and Ben White is left to deal with him. White takes out the man to stop the attack and picks up a second yellow card. He’s off!
Michael Jones20 April 2021 22:07
Chelsea 0 – 0 Brighton
90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play, still time for someone to claim a winner. Will it happen?
Michael Jones20 April 2021 22:05
Chelsea 0 – 0 Brighton
87 mins: Brighton have had double the chances of Chelsea in this game. 10 compared to five from the hosts. Despite that, this game is going to end in a draw. A point will be enough to take Chelsea back into the top four though.
Michael Jones20 April 2021 22:04
Chelsea 0 – 0 Brighton
84 mins: Wide! Callum Hudson-Odoi finds some space on the left wing and he feeds a low ball into the box for Olivier Giroud. Giroud darts to the near post, meets the pass and pulls it wide of goal.
Michael Jones20 April 2021 22:00
Chelsea 0 – 0 Brighton
80 mins: Off the post! Danny Welbeck hits the woodwork from range after Jorginho loses the ball. Welbeck follows up by smashing the rebound at goal but Rudiger is able to block the effort. So, so close from Brighton.
Michael Jones20 April 2021 21:56
Chelsea 0 – 0 Brighton
79 mins: What a chance! Kurt Zouma is caught on the ball by Neal Maupay and it squirts out to Adam Lallana. He carries it into the front of the box before curling a shot wide of the far post. He was aiming for the bottom left corner and over hit the shot. What a chance for Brighton to go in front.
Michael Jones20 April 2021 21:53
