Chelsea are Premier League champions.
In Antonio Conte’s first season in England, he’s transformed the Blues from mid-table underachievers to table-toppers.
Chelsea guaranteed glory with their 1-0 victory over West Brom on Friday night, meaning they’ve claimed the title with two games to spare.
It should have been a beautiful occasion for Chelsea fans, who will undoubtedly welcome the return of the good times with open arms.
But ugly scenes marred their celebration party, with a handful of supporters storming the pitch and unsavoury clashes taking place in the stands towards the end of the game.
There's (now quite extensive) fighting among the West Brom fans in the Birmingham Road end. Would guess there's away supporters in there.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) May 12, 2017
Fighting still going on, and fans now starting to spill on to the pitch
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) May 12, 2017
Sky commentator Gary Neville condemned the fans on the field as “idiots” but, when the camera panned to Chelsea supporters involved in violent scenes among home fans, Neville seemed to suggest that they had every right to be there.
Neville appeared to argue that, given the importance of the occasion, Chelsea fans were right to snap up tickets, regardless of the section, as he used the word “understandable” to refer to their celebrations.
But the comments of the Manchester United legend left viewers divided.
Most claimed that Neville was wrong to condone Chelsea supporters’ raucous celebrations among the home fans because it provoked trouble.
Can't believe Gary Neville siding with the Chelsea fans in the West Brom end. Serves them right if they're brawling with the home fans.
— Jack Evans (@Jevski7) May 12, 2017
@SkyFootball sorry Gary scum Neville if away fans are in the home end they deserve to get battered. Etiquette you tossed!
— Johnny Walker (@jwalker5211) May 12, 2017
That was bad, Gary Neville saying it was understandable. The dick
— Stephens with a PH (@MStephens1977) May 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/paul_woodford_2/status/863133732496183296
@GNev2 saying it's understandable Chelsea fans being in the home end because it's a big game… that doesn't make it right
— Jess (@jess_dalts) May 12, 2017
While some admired Neville’s honesty in calling it how he saw it.
https://twitter.com/Mickehh/status/863132954784141312
Neville recognising what's actually going on in the crowd.
Proper
— Dan Duckworth (@DanDuck1886) May 12, 2017
For a former player Gary Neville is so in tune with fan culture – calls it 'understandable' that Chelsea fans in home sections celebrated.
— Nick Metcalfe (@Nick_Metcalfe) May 12, 2017
