Bizarre second Chelsea TRAP referee Paul Tierney in pre-match huddle – earlier than Cole Palmer exchanges non-public phrases with him

Chelsea trapped referee Paul Tierney in their pre-match team huddle in one of the most bizarre sights of the Premier League season.

Tierney looked utterly bewildered as the players leant in around him ahead of their clash with Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. 

Cole Palmer stared directly at the official before having words with him after the huddle dispersed.

And Enzo Fernandez was barely able to hold himself together as he had a laugh while the shirts arranged around Tierney.

The awkward episode lasted for around half a minute, during which time viewers were left scratching their heads.

Chelsea have been congregating on or near the centre circle in recent weeks but surrounding a referee is an unprecedented step. 

Tierney appeared to accept his fate and made no attempt to escape the mass of bodies encircling him. 

They did seem to be holding a genuine team talk, with Palmer the only player who looked more interested in Tierney than their discussion.

In fact, Palmer went a step further at the start of the huddle and simply hugged Tierney from behind without invitation. 

Fans on social media could not make sense of what they were seeing. 

‘This has absolutely fried my head why is he just standing there and not trying to get out,’ one wrote. 

‘I like that Cole Palmer acknowledges the ridiculousness of the situation by hugging him,’ another said.  

More to follow.