Chelsea host Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League tonight, with the home team set to withdraw from the planned European Super League.
The Blues had been one of the six top-flight clubs in England set to be involved in the breakaway tournament, with Manchester United, Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham also among the 12 overall participants. News of plans around The Super League has been met with widespread criticism, however, and Chelsea fans took to the streets around Stamford Bridge ahead of kick-off tonight to protest their club’s involvement, with Petr Cech attempting to calm the crowd. Shortly thereafter, reports emerged that Chelsea would withdraw from the tournament, and The Independent understands that the club is preparing to do so. Man City have become the first club to formally begin the withdrawal process.
Thomas Tuchel and his players must focus on this evening’s game and opponents Brighton, though, as Graham Potter’s travelling team have a lot still to play for this season. Chelsea would go third tonight with a win and have a Champions League semi-final ahead – as things stand – and an FA Cup final, but Brighton are down in 16th place, six points off the bottom three with seven games left to play this term. Victory here would be huge for the Seagulls. Follow live updates from Chelsea vs Brighton in the Premier League below, as well as all the post-match reaction.
