As the sun set on one of the most turbulent days in Chelsea’s history, there was still business to be done. There were few home comforts in store for the women’s team as they travelled to West Ham, on a night when those would have been keenly appreciated. Emma Hayes’s side were in need of a win to keep on the coat-tails of Arsenal at the top of the Women’s Super League. Accompanied by so much uncertainty, their loyal legion of fans descended on Dagenham on Thursday, decked out in royal blue, to offer unrelenting support.
In the circumstances, the action on the pitch was a sidenote to more significant matters. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has stunned the world and the government’s response felt close at home. The imposition of sanctions against Chelsea’s owner, Roman Abramovich, has been much discussed and was not wholly unexpected. But the instinct that something was going to happen sooner or later did little to lessen the blow for the fans, players and staff.
“I thought: ‘This is going to be a very long day,’” says Tracy Brown of the fan group Chelsea Pride. “To be quite honest, we were all expecting it at some point. We know that it’s been fast-moving. At the same time, we all absolutely condemn everything that’s happening over in Ukraine and our thoughts go out to everybody over there. But as a fanbase, we know that this is obviously just going to be a difficult time for us.”
This is the crux of the issue. The fans, for the most part, are understanding of the government’s strong measures. However, news that their club’s very existence could be under threat was sure to trouble even the most confident supporter. The anxiety was clear among those who follow Hayes’s side home and away. They have found themselves a target of anger and chants. Kerrie Evans of the Chelsea Women’s Supporters’ Group says: “It’s a mix of emotions. As a supporters’ group, it’s been a tough week. We’ve had all sorts of abuse and the whole situation has nothing to do with us. We’ve had no support really on how to handle it. So we’re all just teaming up together and supporting each other.”
Thoughts will inevitably turn to the future of the women’s team. If the history of women’s football tells you anything, it is that funding is not guaranteed and is at an owner’s discretion. Hayes’s side have been heavily backed by Abramovich, leading to their incredible trophy haul. There will be lingering fears around whether a new owner will be so committed.
“I would hope that whoever comes in will see that the whole club has a winning mentality,” Brown says. “So, when you’re buying it, you’re buying a complete Chelsea family. Hopefully, whoever comes in will see that we are more than just the men’s team. We have a youth team and a women’s team, and we win trophies across the board.”
On Thursday Brown and Evans joined talks with the sports minister, Nigel Huddlestone, alongside the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust to ensure the women’s team’s fans are not easily forgotten. A journey to Dagenham followed in pursuit of some light relief. They supported their side vociferously, backing players with their customary playlist of songs and making everyone aware of their presence.
Their team delivered. There was little drama on the pitch as Chelsea secured a routine 4-1 win over West Ham. Hayes, pleased with the performance, was keen to focus on the bigger picture: “There’s a war going on in Ukraine,” the manager said. “There are bigger situations. And yes, today is a big moment for the club. But I believe in giving both sides the time to get it right going forward. I think it is important for the players, the staff, and the fans to be patient.”
With victory sealed and a challenging day drawing to a close, it was left to Brown to issue one more rallying cry: “We can understand why the sanctions have come in; we’re not denying that. But our club is based around the fans. Chelsea Football Club just turned 117 years old because of the fans. If it wasn’t for the fans, there wouldn’t be a club … we want to see that we and our club are protected.”
