Antonio Conte‘s conduct was the reason for the full-time bust up between the Italian and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, according to a report.
Conte and Tuchel clashed several times during the 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham on Sunday, with the biggest coming in a tense head-to-head at full-time which saw both managers sent off.
According to Bild, the bust-up was triggered by Conte repeatedly shouting ‘f*** off’ at Chelsea’s dugout during the game, which could have been the underlying reason for the first clash between the two managers following Tottenham’s first equaliser.
Antonio Conte (left) and Thomas Tuchel (right) clashed at Stamford Bridge on Sunday
A full-time bust-up took place when the two managers tried to shake hands at full-time
Tuchel first complained about a potential foul in the build-up to Tottenham’s first equaliser
The two managers got physical again after full time (above), and both were ultimately sent off
Ill-tempered scenes headlined what was an intense London Derby at Stamford Bridge, in which Spurs forward Harry Kane scored a 96th minute equaliser.
Conte and Tuchel had first clashed when Tuchel took exception to referee Anthony Taylor’s decision to allow Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s 68th minute equaliser to stand after he believed Kai Havertz had been fouled in the build-up.
The German took issue with the fourth official, but Conte reacted and the two men had to be pulled apart before both receiving yellow cards.
Tuchel ran past Conte, who was head in hands, after Reece James had put Chelsea back ahead
Tuchel sprinted past Conte in celebration when Reece James put Chelsea back ahead, before the biggest bust-up of all was triggered when the managers shook hands at full time.
Tuchel said he was bothered by Conte refusing to look him in the eyes, whilst Conte was reluctant to speak on the incidents after the game.
The Spurs manager did, however, say on social media later that evening that he would have tripped Tuchel up if he saw him running past him after James’ goal.
It has been reported that Conte’s antics in the game triggered the full-time bust-up
It is now being reported however that Tuchel was angered by Conte’s conduct throughout the game, with consistent swearing aimed at the home dugout suggested.
Conte also reportedly went onto confront Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic in the tunnel after the game.
Both managers have since been charged with improper conduct, whilst Tuchel is under investigation for criticising the integrity of referee Taylor.