How the #CampaignAgainstChelsea Has Evolved on Twitter

Jose Mourinho initially introduced himself to Chelsea fans as "The Special One." Upon his return to the club in 2013, he was "The Happy One," but now, the Portuguese manager appears to be "The Campaigned Against One."

This new moniker doesn't roll off the tongue quite so easily, but it comes as a result of Mourinho's increasing feelings that there is a "clear campaign" against his side (as per The Telegraph). After making his feelings clear to the media after Chelsea's draw with Southampton over the New Year period, the Blues boss has been fined £25,000 for breaching FA rules.

However, it is not just match officials who are accused of crusading against the west London club: The media are also alleged to be in on the act. In the wake of Diego Costa's stamping controversy—for which the Spanish international has received a charge for violent conduct—Mourinho has lambasted his striker's critics (as per Neil Ashton in the Daily Mail). 

Particular emphasis was put on a Sky Sports pundit, thought to be former Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp...

The furore has led to the proliferation of #CampaignAgainstChelsea on Twitter, used earnestly by beleaguered Blues fans and mockingly by their rivals.

(The phrase has even inspired a website, which does not appear to have been constructed by sympathisers to the cause.) 

Here follows a study how #CampaignAgainstChelsea has evolved over the past week on Twitter, a period during which it has trended several times. Most recently, Blues fans have used it to rail against the treatment of Diego Costa... 

"

Love how The FA acted so fast so they can attempt to ban him for the City game. #CampaignAgainstChelsea

— H (@CarelessChelsea) January 28, 2015"

"

FA turning a blind eye to other incidents but banning Costa for 4 matches is despicable. #CampaignAgainstChelsea

— Bus Driver T-BO (@TakshakCFC) January 29, 2015"

Fans have also been irked by what The Guardian refer to as the "fast-tracked FA procedure" to deliver a punishment to Costa before Chelsea's crucial game with Manchester City on Saturday evening...     

Chelsea fans have also complained about how their club is treated by the media and match officials... 

"

penalties Chelsea deserve, 2. penalties Chelsea given, 0. #CampaignAgainstChelsea

— Mou (@josecfcmourinho) January 27, 2015"

The appointment of referee Mark Clattenburg—who was the subject of racial allegations made by Chelsea in 2012—has also provoked ire...

Newspapers are perceived to have had an anti-Chelsea agenda in their selection of the biggest headline from the League Cup semi-final against Liverpool...

And even those in charge of the TV schedules are in on the campaign...

"

Birmingham City vs West Brom is televised but #Chelsea FA Cup game is not? #CampaignAgainstChelsea

— Quill (@quillinho) January 24, 2015"

Inevitably, the #CampaignAgainstChelsea has been met with derision by many rival fans, who point out the perceived hypocrisy in the claims...

"

#CampaignAgainstChelsea pic.twitter.com/tDHRH8b70C

— ♛TrickyAlexis♛ (@TrickyAlexis) December 30, 2014"

And, of course, there are those who are using the hashtag to bring the laughs... 

"

I'm backing the #CampaignAgainstChelsea because I believe in creating a better world for our children

— AAAAA (@Alex_TIMP) January 28, 2015"

"

#CampaignAgainstChelsea pic.twitter.com/waiXIdoV4n

— Md. (@TalkOfFutbol) January 29, 2015"

"

Looks like #CampaignAgainstChelsea is in FIFA too, how have I not got a penalty? Vs City too.... #CFC https://t.co/ixTzsdju9d

— danyul (@danielfcharles) January 29, 2015"

Clearly, the #CampaignAgainstChelsea trend is in a unique position of being used by and against the club to which it refers. It will almost certainly come to prominence once again on Friday when the FA deliver their punishment to Mr. Costa.

Follow me on Twitter @RyanJayBailey