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Moody blues head home after defeat
Robert Mendick and Amar Singh22 May 2008
Chelsea fans went home in despair today, puffy-eyed and sombre-faced after spending hundreds or even thousands of pounds to see their heroes lose.
Following five-hour flights to and from Moscow, they were exhausted and disconsolate - but still had sympathy for John Terry after his slip cost them the Champions League.
While millions around the world watched Terry distraught as he collapsed on the turf, those on the terraces chanted his name as they left for home at 2am Moscow time.
"We thought the game was won," said Richard Stevens, 46, a Londoner now living in Melbourne who had travelled half way round the world for the game.
"I have come all the way from Oz for this game. Terry will recover. He put himself up to take that penalty but who else would have taken it instead? Certainly not Anelka. Terry's Chelsea through and through. But if he wants advice it's this 'Get longer studs'."
But Darren Francis, 32, from west London, said: "Why was he taking the penalty in the first place? He's a defender. I couldn't believe it when he stepped up to take it. All he needed to do was score and we were European champions. But he'll bounce back."
Shaun McDonagh, from Oxford, leaving the stadium in the rain, declared: "You can't blame John Terry. He played well. he saved one off the line. He is a lion. He will bounce back."
Steve Mantle, who made the trip with his twin brother Darren at a cost of thousands, was in bullish mood despite the defeat. "I have no doubt that one day John Terry will lift the European Cup. I just hope he does it as a Chelsea player," he said.
At Domodedovo airport today, fans who had come straight from the stadium were still trying to cope with defeat.
Simon Cannon, 37, an air conditioning engineer from the Isle of Wight, said: "When Cristiano Ronaldo missed that penalty the joy and happiness inside was unbelievable. When John Terry stood up we were convinced he was going to score and when he missed it, I went from happiness to despair and I knew then it was not going to be our day.
"For me because he is Chelsea through and through, he sheds the same tears we shed. It is one of those moments that will haunt him for the rest of his life. But that is football, unfortunately." Mr Cannon spent about £1,500 on attending the final but was still convinced it was worth every penny despite the defeat "because it's the first time we have reached the Champions League final".
Simon Ledger, 42, a computer consultant from Surrey, on his way back to London via Kaliningrad, said: "It doesn't matter that Terry missed because he still had to have the big balls to take it. There were other players hiding behind him. But JT will recover from this or he is not the man we thought he was."
In the King's Road there was disbelief. Drinkers at The Morrison pub felt robbed. Mary-Ellen Hudson, 21, a student of King's Cross, said: "I'm so sad. We hit the bar and the post and really deserved to win.
"When Ronaldo missed the penalty I thought the trophy was ours but it wasn't to be." Her friend Heidi Bui, 21, added: "I can't believe we lost. When that final penalty was saved all the energy just drained from everyone."
And as the travelling fans arrived at Gatwick, an hour late because of extra time and the penalty shoot-out, few had cheered up - although all were glad they had gone.
Joe Levi, an 18-year-old business student at Manchester University, said: "I'm dreading going back to university because I'm absolutely gutted. The atmosphere was great. It was a bit intimidating in the stadium - there were lines of soldiers watching us as we went to the toilet."
Sharon Affleigh, 42, a florist from Richmond, said: "It was absolutely heartbreaking, particularly when I saw John Terry crying. He must blame himself because he could have won it but he must come back from this."
Reader views (1)
It was really disheartening,that the Blues crashed out after a wonderful display of talents. No matter what,am proud to be a Chelsea fan.
- Betty Ugba, Lagos,Nigeria, 22/05/2008 12:43
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