Apparently, celery is now deemed dangerous to fans and players alike – presumably celery now counts as a dangerous missile!

This legendary herb (it’s not a vegetable is it?) has been a Chelsea tradition for decades now (started around the 80´s) and I’m proud to say that I was there when it started. 

There is some argument as to the origins of this tradition (and they say we have no history! ;-) ).  Some say that it was due to renowned Chelsea fan, Mickey Greenaway (RIP) who heard the song from somewhere and decided to start singing it at the Bridge - although the act of actually throwing it around was definitely started by Chelsea fans in the Shed. 

Others contend that its origins are from Gillingham FC when celery started to grow on the pitch during pre-season and that it was the Gillingham fans that started the celery tradition. 

Maybe it was a combination of both? Maybe quite a few Chelsea lads watched Gillingham during midweek or when cash was a bit short and then brought “Celery” to Stamford Bridge? 

I never spoke to Mickey although I used to see him around – no doubt those that knew him well could shed more light on the matter? 

What am I rambling on about I hear you ask? 

Well, I can tell you that many many Chelsea fans are quite put out at what is seen as an erosion of a famous club tradition.  

The story has even made Bloomberg:

By Ryan Mills
March 16 (Bloomberg) -- Chelsea, the London soccer team owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, set up a confidential phone line to catch fans who take part in the ritual throwing of celery onto the field.

"The throwing of anything at a football match, including celery, is a criminal offence for which you can be arrested and end up with a criminal record,'' the club said in a statement on its Web site today. 

The origins of salad-tossing at Stamford Bridge stadium are unclear, though supporters' Web sites and the Guardian newspaper suggest the practice began in the mid-1980s. It's usually accompanied by a crude chant (Love the "origins of salad tossing" and “crude chant” bit!) -

When Bloomberg News dialled the hotline, a member of Chelsea's security staff answered but declined to comment further or give his name. All calls will be treated in confidence,

Chelsea says:
`In future, if anyone is found attempting to bring celery into Stamford Bridge they could be refused entry and anyone caught throwing celery will face a ban."

So there you have it!  Not only is celery banned from the Bridge but the club has actually set up a supergrass (or supercelery?) hot-line! 

I wouldn´t be surprised if the club agreed to take a tough stance on celery after complaints from Arsenal after the Carling Cup Final – this would have been some kind of condition agreed to by the club in order to placate the FA after facing charges on the matter. 

If that is the case, then Arsenal fans can no doubt be smug about stopping what essentially is just a bit of harmless fun! 

Well done lads!  Hope you’re proud! Still, away matches are free-reign, and don’t forget that old famous saying: 

“YOU CAN´T BAN A CHELSEA FAN!”

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