Chelsea and Middlesbrough had ‘Battle of Stamford Bridge’ with gamers battered

On Jan 23, 2024

A second leg between Chelsea and Middlesbrough will ring alarm bells for older followers who bear in mind their ‘Battle of Stamford Bridge’.

Just like their Carabao Cup tie, which they lead 1-0 forward of tonight (January 23), Boro visited the capital on May 28, 1998 with a bonus. On that event, they had been two to the nice of their play-off with the Blues.

Back then, three of the second tier sides would do battle with the staff positioned fourth final within the previous First Division. Boro had been trying to acquire promotion and relegate Chelsea.

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And they did so, dropping 1-0 on the day however reigning victorious on combination. The shock consequence incensed the house supporters, a few of whom had been chargeable for scary scenes come the full-time whistle.

Hundreds broke out of the Shed End and invaded the pitch, forcing the Boro gamers to dart in direction of the tunnel. “I’d never run so fast in my life,” said striker Bernie Slaven.

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Chelsea fans charge towards the Middlesbrough away end after the 1988 Football League Second Division play-off Final — The irate Chelsea followers made a beeline for Middlesbrough’s away following
(Image: Mirrorpix)

Fans during the 1988 Football League Second Division play-off Final between Chelsea and Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge — Missiles had been launched by the pitch invaders in direction of the helpless supporters
(Image: Mirrorpix)

They headed in direction of the away finish the place the caged-in Boro following had been bombarded with makeshift missiles. Chelsea’s Gordon Durie even bought caught up within the violence, being left with blood operating down his face after he was hit.

As many as 102 arrests had been made and 45 folks suffered accidents, together with 25 cops and one who needed to be stretchered away.

Gordon Durie with blood running down his face — Chelsea’s goalscorer Gordon Durie was left bloodied
(Image: Mirrorpix)

All the whereas, Boro’s employees and gamers locked themselves within the away dressing room for the very best a part of an hour earlier than rising to lastly rejoice their victory on the pitch as soon as it was protected to take action.

Then-MP for Middlesbrough, Stuart Bell, described the pitch invasion as “like the hordes of Genghis Khan”. Bryan Lonsbrough, mayor of town, informed Teesside’s Evening Gazette: “I now know how the Christians felt in the arenas of ancient Rome up against the Lions.”

Chelsea supporter arrested at Stamford Bridge following defeat by Middlesbrough which saw Chelsea relegated to Division Two and Middlesbrough promoted to Division One in 1988 — Over 100 arrests had been made for the unique ‘Battle of Stamford Bridge’
(Image: Allsport 2)

Thankfully there can be no such considerations 36 years on, however Michael Carrick’s facet will face a distinct form of battle with their accidents stacking up and Mauricio Pochettino welcoming again a few of his sidelined stars.

“The boys are hugely looking forward to the game. It’s a great challenge for us to embrace,” said Carrick. “I’m not getting carried away, we’ve got an awful lot of work to do. But winning at Chelsea would mean an awful lot.”