Charlton Athletic’s FA Cup match against Chelsea on Saturday night had to be called off due to a medical emergency. After about 10 minutes, Chris Kavanaugh stopped the match and an emergency announcement was made in the Valley: “There is a medical emergency in the audience. Thank you for your patience.”
TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher also explained: “The game is just suspended here due to the medical situation within the Valley. That’s why the Chelsea players went to Liam Rosenior and the Charlton players went to the touchline and to Nathan Jones.”
He later added: “I hope it’s not too serious for the parties here tonight.”
Around four minutes later, medical staff removed the supporters from the ground, with fans still inside the stadium, and Rosenior praised their service.
The match was finally restarted in the 16th minute. The FA Cup match was Rosenior’s first game as Chelsea manager, having been appointed by the club on Tuesday following the departure of Enzo Maresca.
The Blues lost 2-1 to Fulham on Wednesday, but the game unfolded a bit too quickly for Rosenior to lead the first team. As a result, the English players watched from the stands while Callum MacFarlane gave instructions from the touchline.
Commenting on his move to the Premier League, Rosenior said: “I am extremely humbled and honored to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club, a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of trophy winning.”
“My job is to build a team that reflects these values in every game we play, as we protect its identity and continue to win trophies. Being appointed to this role means the world to me and I would like to thank everyone involved for giving me the opportunity and belief to take on this job. I will do everything I can to bring this club the success it deserves.”
“I am a deep believer in teamwork, unity, solidarity and working for each other. These values are at the heart of everything we do and they will be the foundation of our success. I am excited to work with this extremely talented group of players and staff to build strong connections on and off the pitch and create an environment where everyone feels united and driven towards the same goals.”
“There is a real hunger to win and I will give my all every day to help this team compete and win at the highest level and make everyone proud to be part of Chelsea Football Club. And I want them to be proud of what we represent in every game we play. They are the soul of this huge, historic, huge football club. I can’t wait to get started.”
