Despite controversy in recent matches, Chelsea continue with their pre-match huddle and Everton supporters have made their feelings known to their opponents about it
Chelsea players’ huddle drew jeers from Everton fans (Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Everton fans showered boos as Chelsea crowded around the center circle at Hill Dickinson Stadium as the Premier League anthem was played before the teams met on Saturday. The Blues’ antics in the center circle have been in the spotlight in recent weeks, but Toffees fans’ anger is likely due to the punishment their opponents received earlier in the week.
Chelsea were fined £10.75 million, had their transfer fees suspended and were banned from joining their academy for ‘deception and concealment’ when making illegal payments. The Blues highlighted the issue with Bruko’s seven transfers during his ownership of the club, but many believe the punishment is light.
Everton were deducted 10 points in November 2023 and then reduced to six points. The Merseyside club was penalized for exceeding the PSR threshold by £19.5m in the three-year reporting period to 2021/22.
Manager David Moyes was left baffled by the decision not to penalize Chelsea. Speaking ahead of the match against the Blues, he said: “I don’t think they adequately explained what the fine was and why it was a fine.
“I think they need to explain exactly what happened here. If they don’t, we’ll never understand their reasoning.
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“This isn’t me saying anything against Chelsea, absolutely not. I’m talking about the Everton supporters, the pain they had to go through when they got huge points deductions, and other clubs as well. It’s just what everyone wants to know.”
“Maybe those deductions were right. I don’t know, but we’ll have to see what the difference is. Would you rather have a £10m fine or 10 points? The money we’re receiving now for our league place might cover that.”
“I wish we could get more clarification. What impact does a £10 million fine actually have?”
Chelsea players slightly moved their huddle position against Everton (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s pre-match huddle appears to have become an easy target for fans in the stands, a week after referee Paul Tierney was seen surrounded by Blues players ahead of their match against Newcastle. Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior was irritated by this official’s position.
After his team lost to Newcastle, he said: “I didn’t speak to Paul or his officials today. I didn’t think it was the right thing to do today. But I will speak to PGMOL.”
“I’m just trying to talk to the refs and try to understand why it happened today. The rulebook says timing is key. Timing can get you where you want.”
“I just want to find a solution to this problem, because in reality we are talking about things that are not as important as what is happening on the pitch.”
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