Liam Rosier, Chelsea's manager, was displeased with the referee standing amid Chelsea players before their home loss to Newcastle United last night.
Following the English Premier League match last Saturday night, a confusing and amusing moment caught attention during the game where Chelsea, known as the "Blue Lions," lost 0-1 at home to Newcastle United.
Before kickoff, referee Paul Tierney stood at the center of Stamford Bridge to check readiness for the match. Suddenly, Chelsea players gathered closely around him in a circle to boost morale before the game, effectively surrounding the referee, who was then unable to move and stood there looking confused.
However, this moment greatly upset Chelsea manager Liam Rosier, who harshly criticized Tierney's officiating and confirmed he would meet with the referees' organization PGMOL to discuss the issue, especially since during the game Tierney did not award Chelsea a penalty.
“I respect the game. My players decided to stay around the ball to show respect for the ball, unity, and leadership.”
“That was not my decision. It was made among the team leaders and players. There was nothing disrespectful to the opponents in that gathering.”
“If Paul had done his job better by making the correct decision, we would have had a penalty today. I don’t think anyone can say Voltemade did not foul Cole Palmer inside the box.”
“I haven’t spoken with Paul today. I think it’s not the right thing, but I will speak with PGMOL to try to understand what happened.”
Meanwhile, Andy Davies, former Premier League referee and ESPN collaborator, said the incident was not good for Tierney or the Premier League.
“The more I watch Chelsea’s gathering before kickoff with referee Paul Tierney barely moving from the circle in the middle of the pitch, the less I understand his decision to stand there.”
“Tierney should have done his homework. He should have known Chelsea tend to gather like this, so why did he stand there and not take the opportunity to move to another position?”
However, footage shows that Tierney was unable to move as Chelsea players quickly surrounded him before he realized it.