It was shortly after 6.15pm that Petr Cech decided to take action. So the Chelsea legend strode towards the hostile crowd that had gathered outside of Stamford Bridge to protest against the club's reckless and ultimately short-lived decision to sign up to the European Super League.
Cech was booed by supporters, many of whom had arrived an hour earlier, as he approached. All the former goalkeeper had achieved in his playing career meant little at that point. He was viewed as just another member of the club hierarchy who was complicit in a decision that threatened to tear apart the fabric of English football.
"Give us time," Cech yelled. "Let the people sort it out." And in the offices at Stamford Bridge, that is exactly what was happening at a frantic pace. That night's Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion had become an afterthought, an annoyance even given supporters appeared intent on denying the players entry to the stadium.
