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Football:Mellor in the wars

Chelsea 0 Leeds United 0 Attendance: 28,277

Derrick Whyte
Saturday 03 May 1997 23:02 BST
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There were ugly scenes at Stamford Bridge after Leeds ground out another goalless draw when the former Conservative MP David Mellor was subjected to abuse from away fans and Chelsea supporters threatened to rip up the West Stand, due for demolition this summer.

The police stepped in quickly to defuse the Mellor situation, but were then called to the opposite side of the ground as Chelsea supporters started to remove seats to take away as mementoes. Again the trouble was curtailed quickly, but it was a nasty end to a poor match.

Leeds have become a dour side under George Graham and this was their ninth goalless draw since he took over. They have also scored fewer than any side in England. Frode Grodas, in the Chelsea goal, was hardly tested as Leeds wasted chances.

Chelsea, their minds on the forthcoming FA Cup final, were not much better and struggled to find a way past the Leeds defence, but when Nigel Martyn was called into action he saved well, in the first half from Dan Petrescu and then shortly before the end from Scott Minto.

Leeds started stronger and Derek Lilley should have done better than send a header wide from Brian Deane's cross after 15 minutes. The visitors continued to create the better chances, but Deane volleyed over and then hit a shot that went out for a throw.

Lilley missed again shortly after half-time and even Ian Rush failed to hit the target on a rare foray from midfield. Chelsea's best chance fell to the defender Erland Johnsen, but he failed to break the deadlock.

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