Chelsea huddle: Why was referee Paul Tierney in the middle of the Blues huddle before the match?

Chelsea Head coach Liam Rosenior recently praised the unity of his players after they began gathering in a circle before each half – but there has been an unexpected addition to the Blues’ huddle ahead of their match against them. Newcastle.

Referee Paul Tierney found himself in the crowd of hosts before the match on Saturday night, much to the surprise of some Chelsea players.

Cole Palmer playfully wrapped his arms around Tierney before staring quizzically at the referee, who smiled at the England international as Trevo Chalobah and Enzo Fernandes watched in amusement.

“Tierney stood in the middle of it,” said former England midfielder Fara Williams. “Maybe he heard everything that was said. Cole Palmer looks at him and gives him the eye.”

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann told BBC Sport he had never seen anything strange “in 50 years of watching football”.

But Kahn was able to shed some light on the incident, saying: “Since it was Newcastle’s kick-off, the referee [took] Controlling the ball on the halfway line was there to prevent any potential problems.

“When it comes to the kick-off, there is no particular problem. However, when their opponents have to start, there is the possibility of a confrontation.”