Chelsea could drop pre-match ritual for PSG after Newcastle row, Rosenior says they will decide on Tuesday | OneFootball

Chelsea could drop their pre-match ritual for the Champions League last-16 second leg against PSG on Tuesday at 21:00, after the backlash triggered when all 11 players surrounded referee Paul Tierney during Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle.

The routine was introduced just before kick-off in the 3-2 win over Napoli on 28 January. According to the Daily Mail, captain Reece James and staff member Willie Isa, a former rugby league player, devised the ritual, which has caused internal debate and could be set aside for PSG.

Head coach Liam Rosenior said the intention was neither to provoke nor to intimidate, describing it as a show of unity and solidarity.

He played down the furore, calling it a minor issue compared with the importance of the tie with PSG.

Rosenior did not confirm any change and said he thinks the players may continue, with the decision to be made on the pitch on Tuesday.

Source: L'Équipe