Rijkaard tells fans to show Chelsea respect

FRANK RIJKAARD has pleaded with Barcelona fans not to abuse Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea team.

Mourinho has infuriated Barca fans with his comments and behaviour during three games between the clubs over the last 12 months.

But Rijkaard, who was upset when Samuel Eto’o suffered racial abuse from the crowd during a game at Zaragoza recently, wants peace when the sides meet in their Champions League last-16 second leg, which Barca lead 2-1.

“One of our players was insulted a few days ago and we were all concerned because that was not a nice situation and we have to make a stand against all kinds of aggression and abuse. I hope Barcelona fans are an example of fair play and give a round of applause to Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea squad when they come out,” said Rijkaard.

“Remember Mourinho worked at Barcelona and we all have good memories of him here. The best way is that no one insults anybody in any way.”

Mourinho was confronted by angry fans who jeered and spat at the team bus when he arrived at Barcelona Airport on Sunday.

Rijkaard said: “We want to go into the next round but yesterday I was watching Mourinho arrive and this was not good. It is a really good chance for us to show we can be respectful to the Chelsea team.When one of our players is insulted by abuse, we back him and this is something that has to be improved in the football world.”

Mourinho sparked anger amongst Barcelona fans by accusing one of their star players, Lionel Messi, of diving to get Asier del Horno sent off in the first leg, which Chelsea lost 2-1.

They were also incensed by his behaviour when the teams met last season and he accused Rijkaard of talking to referee Anders Frisk at half-time during the first leg.