Blues’ final shot at redemption

THERE will more than just a trophy at stake for Chelsea at Wembley in the FA Cup Final today with the eyes of the world fixed on the club for the first time since an infamous Champions League exit against Barcelona.

That match not only denied owner Roman Abramovich a chance to fulfil his dream of turning Chelsea into European champions but also saw the club’s image dragged through the mire once more as Didier Drogba ranted at referee Tom Henning Ovrebo and then swore into television cameras in front of a worldwide audience of millions.

The episode, which saw Chelsea, Drogba and Jose Bosingwa all charged by UEFA, hangs like a dark cloud over the club as they head for Wembley because there have been too many similar incidents over the years.