3 min learnUp to date: Mar 15, 2026 02:18 PM IST
Chelsea’s crew huddles across the ball simply seconds earlier than kickoff was already an uncommon sight within the Premier League since Liam Rosenior took over as head coach. On Saturday, it turned an much more weird sight when standing proper in the course of the huddle was referee Paul Tierney. Whereas that made for a slightly comedian sight, Rosenior himself wasn’t too impressed and stated after the match, which Chelsea misplaced to Newcastle United 1-0 at dwelling, that he’ll take the matter up with the Skilled Recreation Match Official Restricted (PGMOL).
Earlier than the Premier League match in opposition to Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, referee Tierney took maintain of the ball subsequent to the middle circle – solely to quickly discover himself surrounded by the Chelsea crew. Starman Cole Palmer was even seen inserting his arms across the shoulders of Tierney, who seemed barely bemused as a crew discuss occurred with him in the course of it.
Chelsea’s pregame crew huddle at the moment had a particular visitor—the referee. 😂 pic.twitter.com/9fIcdCJEzx
— NBC Sports activities Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) March 14, 2026
Rosenior stated after the match that he was “disenchanted” that Tierney obtained concerned within the huddle and acknowledged that the latter ought to have focussed on his job. Rosenior felt that Chelsea had been wrongfully denied a penalty. “If Paul had targeted extra on his job, which was to make the fitting resolution, we’ve a penalty at the moment,” Rosenior stated.
“So,” he added, “let’s deal with the issues which might be necessary. My crew displaying unity will not be as necessary as getting the choices proper on the pitch.” Rosenior felt his gamers did nothing unsuitable.
“I wish to shield my gamers. I’m respectful to the sport. My gamers decided that they needed to be across the ball to respect the ball and present unity and management,” he stated. “That’s not my resolution. That was a call between a management group and a crew. There may be nothing that they’re doing with that huddle that’s disrespectful to the opposition.”
Rosenior’s reverse quantity Eddie Howe didn’t actually care a lot about the entire affair. “It’s obtained completely zero relevance to me – I used to be completely non-fussed by it … it’s not going to assist us win or lose the sport,” Howe stated.
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