Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed his side are worried when Anthony Taylor is appointed as referee for their games.
It comes after the Blues’ dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening, with Harry Kane scoring a 96th minute equaliser for the visitors at Stamford Bridge.
However, one of the main talking points was the refereeing performance from Taylor, who was adjudged to have missed two big calls in the lead up to Spurs’ goals.
Kai Havertz appeared to be fouled in the buildup to their rival’s first goal, with Richarlison also being in an offside position.
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New Chelsea signing Marc Cucurella then had his hair pulled back by Cristian Romero in the buildup to Kane’s equaliser.
Tensions on the touchline were already clear to see during the match, but Tuchel and Spurs boss Antonio Conte shared a feisty handshake at the full time whistle.
Taylor already has a history with big calls in Chelsea games, and now Tuchel has expressed his and his side’s concerns of when he is appointed as referee for their matches.
In his post-match press conference, he said: “Not only the fans. You know the players, they know what’s going on when they are on the pitch. They know it.”
When asked if his players are worried when Taylor is appointed, the German replied: “Yeah, of course.”
Tuchel also added his thoughts on whether the referee should not officiate Chelsea matches in the future: “Maybe it would be better. Maybe it would be better.
“But honestly, we also have VAR to help make the right decision. Since when can players be pulled by hair? Since when is that (not a foul)?
If he does not see it, I do not blame him. I didn’t see it. But we have people at VAR who check this. Then you see it and how can this not be a free-kick and a red card?
“This doesn’t even had to do with the referee in this case.
“If he does not see something, that’s why we have people to check if there is a decisive error going on.”
Chelsea took the lead in the first half against Spurs, with Kalidou Koulibaly netting his first goal for the club with a volley from Cucurella’s corner.
The north London side then equalised in the 68th minute through Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, before Reece James added the Blues’ second a few minutes later from Raheem Sterling’s pass.
Deep into added time, Kane was on hand to score a late equaliser for Spurs, ensuring the points were shared at Stamford Bridge.
Both sides have now started the campaign with a win and a draw each, with Chelsea set to face Leeds United away from home in their next fixture.
Topics: Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League
Robert Calcutt