Referee caught up in weird Chelsea huddle earlier than Newcastle United conflict
Chelsea players formed their pre-match huddle around referee Paul Tierney at the centre spot, with Cole Palmer embracing the official before kick-off at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea players huddle around referee Paul Tierney before the game against Newcastle(Image: Sky Sports)
Referee Paul Tierney found himself as a participant in Chelsea’s pre-match huddle ahead of their Premier League showdown with Newcastle United on Saturday, as he was encircled by Blues players.
Before the 5.30pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge, Liam Rosenior’s starting XI chose to conduct their huddle at the centre spot where the referee was positioned, as Tierney averted his gaze from the squad chat with a bemused expression.
Cole Palmer also gave the referee a friendly hug before the Chelsea squad linked arms in a peculiar few moments. From that point, Tierney stayed with the ball at his feet until Rosenior’s first team assumed their positions in their own half.
Bill Leslie, providing commentary for Sky Sports during the match, couldn’t resist highlighting the odd incident, remarking: “Paul Tierney has been caught up in this new pre-match ritual that Chelsea have of going around and huddling around the ball on the centre spot.
“They have been doing that for a few weeks now, people have noticed recently. Paul Tierney is caught in the middle there. Sorry to interrupt Chris (Sutton), that is quite unusual!”
This isn’t the first occasion that Chelsea have convened in the centre-circle for their pre-match huddle in recent times.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
During last week’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, the Blues gathered in the middle of the pitch to regroup ahead of the second-half.
The gesture stopped Villa from getting back underway as Ollie Watkins and Amadou Onana were left looking baffled, bewildered as to what was unfolding whilst they stood ready to restart.
Discussing the display after the final whistle, Rosenior distanced himself from the demonstration.
He said: “It wasn’t my idea, it’s come from the players and I really like it because they’re showing unity, togetherness and spirit.
“You need that before anything, before you start talking about tactics or systems – you need a group of players to run and fight for each other.
“And in my time there’s not been one game where I can say they’ve not given everything or I’ve been disappointed with their application.
“That bodes well because they’re a good group, a tight group and they enjoy each other’s company and that’s half the battle.”
