Liam Rosenior expresses dissatisfaction with referee during Chelsea huddle, plans to reach out to PGMOL.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has urged referee Paul Tierney to “concentrate more on his responsibilities” and mentioned that he will reach out to the referees’ organization PGMOL following Tierney’s presence in the midst of his team’s pre-match huddle on Saturday.
Prior to the start of their Premier League match against Newcastle, the Chelsea squad assembled around the center circle for their final discussions before the game commenced.
Chelsea ultimately suffered a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, with an early goal from Anthony Gordon deciding the match.
A huddle at the center of the pitch is a routine that Rosenior’s team has employed in recent matches.
However, this occasion saw referee Tierney positioned in the center circle, inadvertently becoming part of Chelsea’s huddle while holding the match ball.
This created a rather humorous yet unusual situation before kick-off, as Chelsea’s players had to communicate with one another across Tierney.
Rosenior expressed his dissatisfaction with Tierney’s actions and indicated that he would contact PGMOL for clarification on the incident.
“I have respect for the game. My players chose to gather around the ball to show respect and demonstrate unity and leadership,” the Chelsea manager stated.
“That decision was not mine; it was made by the leadership group and the team. Their huddle is not intended to be disrespectful to the opposition.
“If Paul had concentrated more on his duties, which include making the correct calls, we would have had a penalty today,” he remarked. “I don’t think anyone can argue that Woltemade did not foul Cole Palmer in the box.”
“I did not speak to Paul today, as I felt it was not appropriate. However, I will be reaching out to PGMOL. I will be discussing this with the referees to gain clarity on what transpired.”
Former Premier League referee and ESPN analyst Andy Davies commented that the situation did not reflect well on Tierney or the Premier League.
“The more I observe the pre-match Chelsea huddle with referee Paul Tierney remaining in the center circle, the less I comprehend his choice to stay there and not allow them their moment,” he told ESPN.
“Tierney would have prepared for the match and likely anticipated that the Chelsea ritual would occur, so why did he not reposition himself to a more neutral area?
“The Chelsea players, to their credit, did not seem bothered by Tierney’s presence, but the optics are not favorable for PGMOL, the Premier League, or Tierney, who unnecessarily raised their profile.”
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Information from PA contributed to this report.
