Chelsea encircles referee Paul Tierney during pre-match team gathering.

Prior to kick-off on Saturday, Chelsea surrounded the referee in an unusual scene during their pre-match huddle at Stamford Bridge.

As the Chelsea XI convened around the centre-circle for their final discussions before the Premier League match against Newcastle, they engaged in their customary routine.

This practice has been utilized by Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea team in recent matches.

However, on this occasion, referee Paul Tierney was positioned in the centre-circle and found himself amidst Chelsea’s huddle, holding the match ball.

This created a rather amusing yet unprecedented moment before the match began, as Chelsea’s players had to communicate with one another across Tierney.

The distinctive new pre-match huddle has become a regular occurrence in Chelsea’s games, but manager Rosenior noted that it was initiated by the players themselves.

“No, it wasn’t [from me]. The idea came from the players, and I really like it because they’re demonstrating unity and togetherness and spirit, and I think you need that,” Rosenior stated after his players repeated the huddle prior to a victory against Aston Villa.

“Before discussing tactics or systems, it’s essential to have a group of players willing to run and fight for one another.”