Life’s a Pitch: Chelsea, Chelsea!

Even by Chelsea’s standards, the number of headlines concerning the west London club in the past week has been impressive.

They stem largely from the club’s claims that referee Mark Clattenburg used “inappropriate language” about Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel in their defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

The suggestions were that the comments were of a racist nature. Now, obviously, the club absolutely should report any racist abuse to the relevant authorities. That is without question. But, on looking at the developments this week, the Life’s a Pitch team wonder if Chelsea have handled the whole affair particularly well. Especially, given the club’s decision to retain John Terry as captain despite being found guilty by the FA of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

These developments are yet another smudge on the reputation of football and Mike Calvin is beginning to despair with where it’s all heading.

In much less controversial Chelsea developments, Luke Moore this week decided to stick up for much-maligned defender David Luiz. Sick of the barrage of unfair criticism and ridicule, Luke reckons it’s high time people learnt to appreciate the qualities of a modern ball-playing centre-back.

Talking of ball-playing centre-backs, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is rather partial to a stopper willing to bring the ball out of defence. But his main focus is a midfield with the ability to control games. And Kristian Walsh reckons there are the early signs of this coming together for the first time since the famous quartet of Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Momo Sissoko.

Elsewhere, we assess the latest juiciest transfer rumours and take a look at the reaction to Jack Wilshere’s injury comeback at Arsenal and the impressive form of Norwich’s Wes Hoolahan.

Expert pundit videos

Chelsea “could be accused of hypocrisy” over racism claims

The Life’s a Pitch team discuss Chelsea’s role as the investigations into referee Mark Clattenburg’s alleged comments get underway.
Under the microscope >

Strootman to Man Utd, Liverpool eye Locadia and Tomkins?

Are Liverpool and Manchester United about to raid PSV’s store of talented young players? The Life’s a Pitch team take a look.
Transfer talk >

Arsenal eye Adrián, Dawson to Saints, Chelsea want Busquets?

Are Adrián, Busquets and Dawson set to find a new Premier League club in this January transfer window? The Life’s a Pitch team take a look.
On the move? >

“McCarthy will turn it around and be a success at Ipswich”

The Life’s a Pitch team assess the latest round of managerial appointments in the Championship.
On the up >

Lively opinion blogs

Luiz’s cultured talents should be savoured, not criticised

Tired of the unfair criticism of Chelsea’s David Luiz, Luke Moore explains why the ball-playing defender doesn’t get the respect he deserves.
The modern central defender >

Chelsea’s Clattenburg racism allegations threaten the game

Chelsea claims that referee Mark Clattenburg racially abused one of their players during the defeat by Man Utd leaves Mike Calvin fearing for football’s future.
The game under threat >

Midfield magic is on its way back to Liverpool

The Liverpool engine room is starting to rev up and it won’t be long before it’s flying again, argues Kristian Walsh.
Majestic midfield >

Time for some perspective and patience on Wilshere

Mike Calvin looks at the over-the-top response to Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere’s long-awaited comeback from injury.
Calm down >
 

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