It's about a seven hour round trip from Stoke to Stamford Bridge. That's a long day out to see just 23 minutes of football.
Stoke fans haven't had an easy season. They would have fully expected to get nothing from their game at the champions today, but some fight, and some hope for the future, was certainly a must. Instead, they saw their team concede three times in the first 23 minutes before playing out a dead rubber for the remaining three-quarters of the game.
The fans' reaction at the game was of more interest to those watching the game than the events on the field.
🏃♂️ Stoke fans sprinting out of Stamford Bridge.
They've had enough, and who can blame them.#SCFC #CHESTK pic.twitter.com/yAeAej9iLW— The Sack Race (@thesackrace) December 30, 2017
Some Stoke fans are leaving... or maybe just getting a pint. 24 mins gone
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) December 30, 2017
Stoke city Fans are leaving just after 23 minutes
— 👑 (@aj_classic10) December 30, 2017
Stoke fans: "How shit must you be, it's only 3-0"
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) December 30, 2017
Mark Hughes’ decision to name that Stoke team looked a bad idea at 2.59. By ten past 3 it looks a joke. Surely all he’s done is heap the pressure on himself and his side for the Newcastle game?
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) December 30, 2017
Mark Hughes has been under pressure for months and the reaction of the fans today could be the final straw. They sit just two points above the relegation zone, and that's before West Brom, West Ham or Crystal Palace even play this week.
They have a huge game against Newcastle at home on Monday on which Hughes' job could depend.
