Paul Canoville was settling into a seat at Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea take on Barcelona when he was recognised. 'Hey, Canners.' A wave of acknowledgement, a thumbs-up, a handshake, small talk and then a confession. The routine is familiar to Canoville.
'Paul, I was one of the idiots who shouted those things. Sorry, mate. I never meant it. I'm not a racist. I was just swept along with the crowd.' That's the usual format. Canoville has heard this thinly-veiled plea for absolution several times in 27 years since he became Chelsea's first black player.
It may well happen again on Saturday as he strolls down Wembley Way to cheer on Chelsea in the FA Cup Final.