The Land That Time Forgot?

Tonight, Chelsea get back to a degree of normality, compared to life in Japan, with a Capital One Cup quarter-final against Leeds United, on their manor.

If, at times, the FIFA Club World Cup tournament looked a little like an exhibition game tonight will, almost certainly, be far more competitive.

The rivalry between the two clubs ensures that the game will be feisty and tackles will be flying in and both sides, despite the low ranking in the grand scheme of things of this competition, will be keen to savour victory.

However, we`re all hoping that the game is played in the right spirit and that nothing untoward happens that could grace the pages of the tabloid press, after all we`ve had enough of tha tin recent times have we not.

But, although football has moved on from the disgraceful scenes we used to witness in the early eighties, both clubs are set to be issued with warnings from the Police Chief Superintendent in charge of policing matters tonight, Paul Money, with the head-honcho being quoted, in the media this morning, a shaving remarked,

"I`ll ask the managers of both teams to speak to the players and ask them to avoid doing anything which may antagonize supporters from the opposition team."

"We want the focus of the day to be on action on the pitch - and not for it to be overshadowed by violence or disorder."

"We want to see both sets of fans enjoy what will be an exciting match and I`d ask responsible fans - who make up the vast majority - to not allow the minority of unruly fans to spoil the game."

Sensible enough but I have to ask whether Yorkshire is stuck in a bygone age and really is the land that time forgot!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.