Three Chelsea players were embroiled in a physical row before the Blues’ fifth goal against Everton.
The Blues dominated their opponents throughout the game, winning 6-0 and going five up just over an hour into the game that would help keep their European hopes alive.
Cole Palmer stole the show, netting a first half hat-trick as Everton crumbled in their fight to stay in the Premier League following two sets of points deductions.
The England hopeful also scored in the second half, slotting in from the spot when Noni Madueke was fouled in the penalty area, though the call didn’t come without controversy with a number of Blues players involved in an on-field scuffle.
Palmer ultimately took the penalty, but both Madueke and Nicolas Jackson were involved in a squabble that had to be broken up by the likes of Conor Gallagher and Malo Gusto, with manager Mauricio Pochettino pulling no punches on the incident after the game.
It had initially looked like Palmer had been fouled in the box, but referee Paul Tierney waved play on before Madueke too went down.
Eventually, the referee pointed to the spot, understood to be for the tackle on Palmer, and it looked like Madueke, who had tried to take the spot kick Palmer scored against Manchester United a fortnight ago, and Jackson would battle it out to take the penalty with the Blues already 4-0 up, while Thiago Silva could be seen speaking to both players.
Sky cameras showed the two players arguing as it cut to a replay, but, when cameras cut back to the live feed, Palmer, who was on the floor hurt originally, could be seen with the ball in his hands.
Jackson and Madueke appeared livid with Palmer, who has now netted nine out of nine penalties in the Premier League this season.
With Gallagher getting involved, Palmer pushed Jackson as the Blues captain ensured he stayed away, telling the striker, who scored Chelsea’s fourth goal, to calm down.
Jackson appeared frustrated that Gallagher had taken the ball from Madueke to give to Palmer, and received a push from his captain, with the England midfielder also shoving Madueke away.
Madueke and Jackson could be seen arguing outside the box, with Jackson putting his arms out in frustration.
Speaking after the game to Sky Sports, Pochettino said: ‘It is a shame. I was telling the players before, we had a meeting with all the staff and we were talking. We cannot behave in this way. I told them this is the last time I accept this type of behavior. Involved, all out. This is not a joke.
‘It is impossible after a performance like this. It shows we are in a process where we will learn a lot, we need to change and see more in the collective way than to think of individual achievement.
‘I have made it clear to them and through you to the fans that Cole Palmer is the taker, if he wats to give it to another he can but not in this way, it is a sad situation that happened and cannot happen again. We behaved like a kid today.’
Palmer, meanwhile, said: ‘Other players wanted to take it which is understandable, it was 4-0. But I am the penalty taker and I took it. Maybe it was a bit over the top, everyone wants to win and help.
‘We were laughing and joking about it but the gaffer has told us now.’
‘Grow up,’ former Arsenal forward Alan Smith said of the situation on commentary. ‘I’ve never seen anything like it.
‘Cole Palmer is the designated taker and he is the best one at it.’
‘I think what happened was just ridiculous,’ Jamie Carragher added. ‘It’s daft. Come on lads. Pochettino is going to get asked about this, they have just won 6-0.
Dele Alli, who was working with Sky for the game, said: ‘This is them showing their age. I’m not there in the training ground but it’s alright when it’s 4-0 and not in a high-pressure game. It’s always settled before the game.
‘It’s a shame this is what happened because they had an amazing night but I am sure they will settle it. It’s kind of selfish from the players.’
Madueke also appeared frustrated when he was substituted later in the game, asking his manager Mauricio Pochettino if he could carry on despite appearing injured.
Palmer was congratulated by both players upon scoring the penalty, and shared a high-five with Jackson as he was substituted around 15 minutes from time.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
