Re-printed from www.chelseafc.com
The FA Premier League has released the first Fair Play ranking of
the new season and it sees Chelsea leading the way in all
categories, including positive play. There is additional
commendation for the clubs fans.
While red and yellow cards count against a teams score in the
league table, points are awarded by Premier League match delegates
for respect towards opponents, respect towards the referee,
behaviour of club officials and the already mentioned positive
play.
This rewards play that is attractive for spectators with aspects
considered being attacking rather than defensive tactics, speeding
up the game, bringing the ball back into play quickly even when in
a winning position and continuing to push for goals when in a
winning position.
Aspects counting against the score include slowing down the game,
time wasting, tactics based on foul play and play acting
(simulation).
In general terms positive play rewards the team which creates the
most goal scoring chances and scores the most goals.
The fact that Chelsea currently have the highest score in this as
well as the other four categories is yet more hard evidence against
recent criticism of the way José Mourinho and his team go about
defeating the opposition.
In a separate league table, Chelsea have the fairest behaved
supporters so far this season, followed by West Ham and
Wigan.
In this league points are awarded for verbal support in acceptable
form and recognition of outstanding play by the opponents.
Points are deducted for persistent foul and abusive language,
persistent abuse of the officials decisions and aggressive and
threatening conduct towards opposing fans.
In the team Fair Play League, our closest challengers are Charlton
and Wigan. All points scored are averaged out for games
played.
Chelseas good showing in the opening months follows on from last
season when we finished third in the overall Fair Play table. It
was a season when not a single Chelsea player was sent off in a
Premiership game.
For complete fair play table, please go to
www.chelseafc.com
