“Violence Is No Answer” – $74 Million Soccer Superstar Comes in Support of “Punched & Knocked Out” Fan Outside Stadium

Chelsea took on their London rivals West Ham United on Saturday in the Premier League. The London derby is always a tense affair between the two soccer clubs in London. Both the teams were eager for a win after a disastrous start to the season. 

However, they played out a 1-1 draw, meaning Chelsea remained in the 9th position in the table and West Ham 16th, two places and two points above the relegation zone. Meanwhile, the game was marred by the shocking incident before the kickoff, where a West Ham fan knocked out a Chelsea fan. Chelsea star Reece James has shown his support to the injured traveling fan after the game. 

Reece James calls for no violence in soccer after the Chelsea game

Chelsea was away to West Ham, and a violent incident occurred outside the London stadium before the game. The visiting fan engaged in a verbal fight with a group of West Ham fans. Chelsea fans were shouting at an older West Ham fan, and a young fan came and punched the Blues fan in the face. 

It floored the fan, and a few bystanders rushed to him to attend to him. He was seen motionless on the ground first but then was in a wheelchair after some time. The footage of the incident circulated on social media, and Blues’ right back addressed the incident after the game. 

James wrote on his social media, “The news has crossed my attention that a fan was punched and knocked out before today’s game. I totally understand rivalry and the tension between teams in big games, but violence is no answer. I hope he is okay.” He also thanked the Chelsea supporters at the game, adding, “Appreciate the traveling fans as always. Stick with us and stay safe. See you in Dortmund.”

The Metropolitan Police arrested the 22-year-old West Ham soccer fan who punched the rival supporter before the game. Struggling Chelsea next visits Dortmund for the first leg in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. They will look to get a good result from the game after three consecutive draws in the Premier League.

West Ham held Chelsea to a stalemate

Chelsea produced another disappointing result when they were held to a 1-1 draw by the Hammers. The Blues are under the scrutiny of the fans after berserk spending in the January transfer window. The draw keeps Chelsea in 9th place on the table with 31 points. 

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Although there was a controversy in the game when the Chelsea referee didn’t give a penalty to the traveling side in the dying moments of the game. West Ham player handled the ball, blocking the goal-bound shot from a Chelsea player, and it left traveling fans and Chelsea furious at not awarding the penalty. 

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Chelsea also saw two goals disallowed for offside and had to share spoils with their London rivals. Let us know your thoughts on the game and the punching incident before the game.