Chelsea hero Pat Nevin has hailed the Stamford Bridge support for their reaction to Chesterfield's goal in Saturday's FA Cup win.
Chelsea won comfortably 5-1 on the night, with Nevin highlighting the way Blues fans responded to the away team's goal.
He wrote for chelseafc.com: "With impressive doggedness the Spireites stayed resolute in the second half, when we had admittedly made a few changes, and they managed to score in front of their own fans.
"They went crazy obviously, even though a comeback was not likely in that they were 5-1 down, but they finally had their big moment. That however wasn't what I loved best, what I loved was the reaction of almost every single Chelsea fan in the ground. As one they rose to their feet and applauded the opposition. In the press box, I was sitting beside a man who could only be described as a Chelsea institution, and he was on his feet applauding before the ball hit the net. It was a moment of true sportsmanship, which I am not convinced many of those Chesterfield fans or players witnessed but it was a touch of sheer class.
"That applause went on for some considerable time and maybe it wasn't just the goal, or their fighting spirit, maybe it was also those fans. Even though we weren't taken with what they were singing, we were very impressed by how they sang it.
"Considering all the advantages Chelsea fans have, the money spent on our team, the glories we have had and the quality of play we can enjoy week in week out, it was glorious to see our fans understand there are other sides to the game. It is too easy to be the big, arrogant bully who forgets the little guy who is working incredibly hard and is just trying his very best in difficult circumstances.
"There are people there who have given to their club for decades and they do not deserve to be dismissed or ignored. They have been caring about the game for a very long time and those who know the history know how important they are, and that they should be shown respect. Well done Chelsea fans for taking the time to care."
