‘Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte were only managers to miss Premier League’s pre-season briefing’
Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte were reportedly the only two Premier League managers to miss the top-flight’s pre-season briefing by the referee’s body – Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL).
The Telegraph reports that the Chelsea and Tottenham bosses – who were both sent off during their sides’ ill-tempered draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday – were not in attendance at either meeting arranged by the Premier League.
The summer gatherings are put on so managers can learn about any law changes or rules that referees will be focussing on in the upcoming campaign.
Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte were the only two managers to miss the Premier League’s pre-season briefing regarding referees
There are two identical briefings – one in the north and another in London – but they failed to attend either.
It’s claimed Conte was ill on the date of the London meeting, but neither manager sent somebody in their place.
It’s believed Tuchel attended a separate PGMOL briefing for Chelsea’s players – something that each squad receives before the start of the season.
Tuchel and Conte clashed with each other during the 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Chelsea manager Tuchel was left livid by some of the decisions made by referee Anthony Taylor.
Tuchel and Conte were involved in angry exchanges as Chelsea drew against Tottenham
Taylor ignored Kai Havertz’s appeal for a foul following a challenge from Rodrigo Bentancur in the build-up to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s equaliser.
Officials also ignored Richarlison being in an offside position when Hojbjerg scored.
Ahead of Harry Kane’s late equaliser, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero pulled Marc Cucurella’s hair but he too wasn’t penalised.
Tuchel and Conte were both sent off by Taylor after the final whistle and there was a tense exchanged between the pair when they went to shake hands at the end of the game.
Tuchel celebrated wildly after Reece James had made it 2-1 to Chelsea, with the German having previously clashed with Conte.
Tuchel was angry with some of the decisions that were made by referee Anthony Taylor
The Football Association are now investigating Tuchel’s post-match comments about Taylor.
Tuchel said: ‘Today? Yes [I have more of a problem with the referee].
‘Maybe that would be better [if he does not referee another Chelsea game]. I don’t think that [only] some of the fans think that [Taylor has made bad decisions against Chelsea].
‘I can assure you that the whole dressing room, every single person thinks that. The players know what’s going on and they’re on the pitch. Of course [they are worried when he takes charge of one of our games].
‘Both [Spurs] goals should not stand and then it’s a fair result. I cannot coach but the referee can whistle the next game. Good.’
