TUCHEL WARNS FANS AS RUDIGER STRUCK
CHELSEA BOSS CALLS FOR RESPECT AFTER BLUES DEFENDER IS HIT BY LIGHTER
THOMAS TUCHEL called on fans to behave and protect English football’s ‘unique atmosphere’ after Antonio Rudiger was struck by a lighter as Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 at Stamford Bridge yesterday.
Hakim Ziyech’s wonder strike and Thiago Silva’s header handed Chelsea their third win over Spurs this month, after victories in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Chelsea boss Tuchel released a message this week after the
Blues beefed up security following several recent pitch invasions.
Fears of escalating fan disorder were also highlighted by an incident at Goodison Park on Saturday when Aston Villa players Matty Cash and Lucas Digne were struck by a bottle as they celebrated a goal in the win over Everton. A 19-year-old man has subsequently been charged with assault and throwing an item on the pitch.
And, after Chelsea’s Rudiger was hit by an object thrown by away supporters, the Blues’ German boss admitted English football needed to safeguard its interaction between players, coaches and fans.
Asked if recent events had him concerned, Tuchel replied: ‘I’m not worried, but you are right, I sent the message to our fans – support us, we love to (have) them close to the pitch, we love a brilliant atmosphere (and) that they are not behind fences or nets.
‘From there everybody needs to show respect. But in general I’m not concerned. Right now I enjoy the atmosphere.
‘If this is a new trend we need to act together to make sure that it stops as soon as possible, to protect the fantastic environment and unique atmosphere of England.’
Harry Kane saw a goal chalked off after 40 minutes for a push on Silva, leaving Tottenham boss Antonio Conte fuming. ‘In the first half the referee disallowed a goal and I was very clear with him, because I think that it’s best sometimes to tell the referee in a polite way,’ the Italian said.
‘To see this type of goal disallowed in England, it was incredible Maybe in Italy, 50-50, but in England it was incredible.
‘The yellow card for (Japhet) Tanganga also angered me a lot. It can seem a stupid thing, but no, because a yellow card from the start to the end can also force an early substitution.’