Chelsea FC: Liam Rosenior reveals huddle plan after bizarre referee row | OneFootball

Blues were at centre of weekend frenzy after pre-match showing

Liam Rosenior has hinted that Chelsea may move their huddle away from the centre circle after Saturday’s farce against Newcastle.

It is a new development during Rosenior’s reign, which the head coach claims is an initiative which has come from his players.

But the ritual reached new levels of controversy on Saturday when referee Paul Tierney stood in the middle of the team’s huddle rather than standing outside the circle or asking the Chelsea players to refrain.

After that 1-0 defeat to Newcastle, Rosenior told the media he planned to speak to the referees’ body, the PGMOL, to complain about Tierney’s reaction to the huddle and to seek clarification.

Rosenior was asked ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Paris Saint-Germain whether it is time for his team to ditch the contentious huddle.

It is has been suggested that Chelsea may be about to move it away from the centre circle against PSG.

“I think in terms of the huddle, I think it's been blown out of proportion to be honest,” Rosenior said.

“It's a small, small thing amongst many, many serious things that we need to address, such as a massive game against PSG tomorrow.

“In terms of the huddle, the lads have always wanted to show unity and togetherness. I think they'll continue to do that.”

Rosenior added: “What we don't want to do is antagonise or bring the noise on ourselves. And we'll make the decision on where we do that on the pitch tomorrow.”