Rosenior says referee should focus on job, not Chelsea huddle

March 15, 2026 No Comments

Rosenior ‘disappointed’ by referee in Chelsea huddleImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Referee Paul Tierney found himself in the middle of Chelsea’s huddle before Saturday’s game against NewcastleByMatthew HowarthBBC Sport journalistPublished14 March 2026, 18:51 GMT59 Comments

Updated 23 minutes ago

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior says he intends to speak to referees’ body Professional Game Match Official Limited about Paul Tierney positioning himself in the middle of the Blues’ huddle before Saturday’s game against Newcastle.

Referee Tierney was standing over the ball prior to kick-off but did not move away as Chelsea players gathered around him for their pre-match huddle, much to the bemusement of some of the Blues’ starting XI.

Cole Palmer jokingly wrapped his arms around Tierney before staring quizzically at the official, who merely smiled back at the England international as Trevoh Chalobah and Enzo Fernandez watched on in amusement.

“I’ll be speaking to PGMOL and the refs to get an understanding of why that happened today,” Rosenior stated after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat. “We were told that in the rulebook you can be where you want and it’s about timing.

“I’m disappointed. I’m going to make it clear. I want to protect my players and I’m respectful to the game.

“Before the game we had a meeting with the referee. My assistant goes in and the first thing [Tierney] talks about is our huddle. We’re not being disrespectful to the opposition.”

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

But Cann was able to shed some light on the incident, saying: “As it was Newcastle’s kick-off, the referee [took] control of the ball on the halfway line and was there to prevent any potential issues.

“When it is their kick-off, there is no particular issue. However, when their opponents have to kick off, there is potential for confrontation.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, meanwhile, stated the incident had “absolutely zero relevance to me”.

Howe added: “I was totally non-fussed by it. I don’t pay any attention to things like that. It’s not going to help us win or lose the game.”

‘What’s going on there?’ – Pundits react to referee huddle

What is the purpose of Chelsea’s huddles?

Chelsea’s huddles appeared to frustrate Aston Villa players and fans during the Blues’ recent 4-1 win at Villa Park, with the home fans booing the visitors during the half-time interval.

Manager Rosenior stated on Friday: “There is nothing about the huddle that is intentionally to affect anything to do with the opposition, the fans, or anything at all. It was a decision that was made between the group and the leadership team about the way they wanted to show unity.”

Chelsea captain Reece James, who reportedly came up with the idea, added: “I like to speak to the players right before the first half starts and right before the second half starts.

“That is the best way I think I can get messages across to them.”

The Blues’ new ritual follows their previous team-building practice of leaving the pitch together as a group after both halves.

“I really like it,” Rosenior stated this month. “Before anything – before you start talking about tactics or systems – you need a group of players willing to run and fight for each other.

“They’re a good group, they’re a tight group, they enjoy each other’s company and that’s half the battle.”