Tuchel sends quick warning message to Anthony Taylor and referee team ahead of Chelsea vs Tottenham clash
The German has occasionally been known to lose his cool when watching games, so when Spurs visit Stamford Bridge this weekend, his heart rate might increase once more.
In advance of the London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham in the Premier League this weekend, Thomas Tuchel has issued a brief message to Anthony Taylor and his refereeing staff.
This message comes at a time when Blues supporters will be watching the match between the two London rivals, which Anthony Taylor will be presiding over. Taylor’s unfavorable reputation among Chelsea supporters is a result of past choices that have ultimately cost the west Londoners in a number of games over the years.
For instance, on matchday two of the league season, Taylor officiated Thomas Tuchel’s team as they drew 1-1 at Anfield, and he dismissed Reece James for handball just before halftime.
Only in that specific occasion did Chelsea supporters feel unfairly treated as a result of Taylor. The 43-year-old also harshly dismissed Mateo Kovacic in the 2020 FA Cup final, failed to spot Emi Martinez’s handball outside the box in the same match, failed to flag Alexis Sanchez for handball as he scored in the 2017 final, and gave Chelsea a free kick in 2019 against Tottenham for a kung-fu challenge on Marcos Alonso.
On social media, Chelsea supporters have already expressed their worries about this appointment. It’s noteworthy to note that this weekend, Peter Banks will have to deal with both Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte on the touchline because Mike Dean will be working with VAR.
In the year and a half that he has been the Blues manager, Tuchel has a history of criticizing Premier League refereeing decisions, including in the 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge last season. Funny enough, it was a game where Spanish full-back Marc Cucurella, who is currently Graham Potter’s new acquisition, got the German’s attention.
“The ball is going into the net, why does he need to whistle before the ball is over the line? Why? We have VAR to check, why can we not wait? If he decides then it is a foul then decide it but why is he so sure? Does he want to keep the tension up?,” Tuchel questioned in his post-match press conference. “The penalty is a joke, honestly a joke, not to interfere from VAR.”
When the dust settles, usually managers’ opinions on refereeing decisions brush over their heads with more pressing issues to focus on. Ahead of this weekend though, Tuchel has sent a message to all the officials that will be involved in what is expected to be a fiery London derby.
He told Soccer AM:“I feel sorry! Sometimes they have to suffer with us coaches and with me.” Taylor himself refereed the game week 1 clash on opening night at Selhurst Park between Crystal Palace and Arsenal.