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Liam Rosenior has criticised referee Paul Tierney following Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United, saying the official should have focused on his duties rather than standing in the middle of the team’s pre-match huddle.
The incident occurred before kick-off at Stamford Bridge when Tierney remained near the centre circle as Chelsea players gathered for their customary huddle.
Some players appeared surprised by the referee’s presence, with Cole Palmer briefly wrapping his arms around the official while others looked on in amusement.
Rosenior questions refereeing decisions
Rosenior suggested the referee’s focus should have been on key decisions during the game, particularly a penalty appeal that was turned down.
“If Paul had focused more on his job, which was to make the right decision, we’d have a penalty today,” Rosenior said after the match. “I don’t think anyone can say that Nick Woltemade doesn’t kick Palmer down in the box.”
The Chelsea boss confirmed he intends to seek clarification from the referees’ governing body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited.
“I’ll be speaking to PGMOL and the refs to get an understanding of why that happened today,” he added. “We were told that in the rulebook you can be where you want and it’s about timing.”
Rosenior also said he was disappointed with the situation but emphasised that his intention was to defend his players.
Huddle draws attention again
Chelsea’s pre-match huddles have recently attracted attention in the Premier League, with Rosenior explaining that the ritual was introduced to strengthen unity within the squad.
“There is nothing about the huddle that is intentionally to affect anything to do with the opposition, the fans, or anything at all,” he said.
Club captain Reece James, who reportedly introduced the idea, explained the purpose behind the routine.
“I like to speak to the players right before the first half starts and right before the second half starts. That is the best way I think I can get messages across to them,” James said.
Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe played down the incident.
“It had absolutely zero relevance to me,” Howe said. “I was totally non-fussed by it. I don’t pay any attention to things like that. It’s not going to help us win or lose the game.”