Chelsea Fans Are Outraged About PSG Decision Ahead of Second Leg

On Friday, it was confirmed that Chelsea would face defending Champions Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, with the ties to be played on Wednesday, the 11th of March and Tuesday, the 17th of March. 

These games come in the middle of a seriously intense schedule for Liam Rosenior's side, who will play seven games in 20 days next month, before the March international break. 

In between the games against PSG, the Blues will play Newcastle United at home in the Premier League, making it three games in six days, plus travel to and from France. 

The counter argument to that may have been that it's the same for PSG, who will also play three games in six days, and have to travel to and from England.

So, what's the difference? 

Well, there is now quite a big one indeed, as it has been confirmed that Ligue 1 has accepted PSG's request to postpone their Ligue 1 fixture at home to Nantes on the 14th of March. 

Luis Enrique's side will now have no games between the two ties and will therefore have much more rest, recovery, and preparation for the second leg at Stamford Bridge. 

Although you can understand why PSG would want to do this, it feels out of place in Ligue 1. Sure, it is in their interests for French sides to do well in Europe, but this does not feel totally fair. 

It is not fair to Nantes as a team, who have to change their plans and will then have a more intense schedule later on in the season. It is also not fair to the travelling Nantes fans, many of whom will have to book time off work to go to the rearranged game. Some of them may have already paid for hotels, transport, etc. 

This is not the first time PSG have done this, either. Last season, they did the same between their quarter-final tie with Aston Villa. Ironically, that was also a game against Nantes, albeit away from home. 

There are other examples of this, namely in countries such as Turkey and Scotland. However, there are no examples of this happening in England. It wouldn't be allowed to happen. 

Ironically, this would be one of the times where it may suit both sides. Not only is the game against Newcastle between the PSG games for Chelsea, but for Eddie Howe's side it also comes between games against Barcelona. Nevertheless, you can't see it happening. 

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