Pitch Debacle

Yes, it was like a beach. No, there wasn't any grass. But the surface was flat. If you ask the majority of players the most important thing about a pitch, they will demand that it is flat.

And Charlton's complaints should be falling on deaf ears at the FA. But will it turn out like that?

As one 'witty' letter on football 365 said, "Isn't the Charlton request for a rematch reminiscent of the scene in The Office where Finchy claims victory in the pub quiz by throwing a pair of shoes over the pub?"

I bet that any fans of the Office will agree with me when I say that Finchy claiming victory in the pub quiz was an absolute traversty. It was won fair and square by Ricky and Tim! He was just pissed off because he lost, and needed any excuse to try and prove how good he is.

Now, imagine if the game was played at the Valley on that pitch. Chelsea, being Chelsea, get beaten 3-0 and lodge a complaint to the FA a few days after demanding a rematch.

Can you imagine the press reaction? It doesn't bear thinking about. They would be all over us.

Last season when 6 players didn't want to travel to Israel to play Hapoel Tel Aviv due to all the politics/fighting going on over there, the press slaughtered them and the club.

Firstly, the club for offering them the choice of staying or going, and then the players, for "bottling it". I think that what the club did was right- you shouldn't force anyone to do something they don't want to do. And if these players fear for their safety, their minds certainly won't be on the job at hand. Better left behind if you asked me.

I hope the FA do give Charlton a replay- because I would get so much satisfaction from beating them again!!