Chelsea players encircle referee in pre-match huddle before Newcastle kick-off | OneFootball

A surreal pre-match scene unfolded at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea’s starting XI, named by Liam Rosenior, formed their customary huddle and ended up surrounding referee Paul Tierney before the Premier League meeting with Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

Tierney was stood in the centre circle with the match ball when the Blues tried to gather, so he was quickly encircled. According to The Athletic, Chelsea perform this ritual at the start of each half and the idea came from Willie Isa, a former rugby league player hired over a year ago as head of player development.

Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s number 10, even wrapped his arms around Tierney from behind. Dressed in yellow, the referee turned towards Palmer a few times and the pair shared a laugh moments after the team’s rallying cry.

The routine has recently been met with boos from away supporters at Aston Villa and Wrexham.

Opponents appeared irritated too, and former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman was scathing, calling it ridiculous. He suggested such stunts are part of today’s search for marginal psychological gains.

Source: L'Équipe