After Chelsea nearly crashed out of the FA Cup at Brentford over the weekend, the club’s fans started an online petition to kick out coach Rafael Benitez. The supporters, who were looking to gather 2,000 signatures, have received more than 5,000 so far. The petition statement, which can be seen on the Web site change.org, reads:

“The supporters are the lifeblood and soul of any football club. As supporters, we had made it abundantly clear that Rafael Benitez was not wanted at Chelsea Football Club but the board rode roughshod over supporters' wishes, sacking a Chelsea legend who had delivered us the European Cup and the FA Cup just months before in the process.”

Losing the Club World Cup final to Corinthians, losing the Capital One Cup semifinal to Swansea City over two legs, falling nine points further behind in the Premier League title race, and a poor overall winning percentage are listed among the grievances the supporters have with Benitez.