Thomas Tuchel slammed the officiating in Chelsea’s draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday night. The German claimed referee Anthony Taylor and his team allowed two goals to stand wrongfully in a 2-2 result.
Chelsea led twice but were pegged back by Spurs on both occasions, both the equalizers shrouded with controversy and accompanied by a brawl on the touchline.
Tuchel, in his post-match interview, called out the officials for allowing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur to escape unpunished despite several tactical fouls. The German also pointed towards Richarlison interfering play from an offside position for Spurs’ equalizer and Cristian Romero dodging a red card for a hair-pull on Marc Cucurella – moments before the visitors leveled the tie in the 96th minute.
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“I don’t know how many tactical fouls Hojbjerg and Bentancur did today. There was a clear foul on Kai Havertz and the situation goes on and on. Richarlison was offside and since when can we pull hair in a football match?”
“They checked and nothing happened, absolutely ridiculous.”
he said, per Goal.
Chelsea have had a troubled relationship with Taylor in the past, with fans pointing out, on Sunday night after the game, several key decisions that have gone against them during his officiating. Tuchel acknowledged the same, claiming that the entire Chelsea dressing room shares that sentiment.
“I don’t think just some of the fans think that. I can assure you the whole dressing room of us, every single person, thinks that.”
An incensed Tuchel also challenged why he has to serve a touchline ban – the German was red-carded during the post-match brawl, but Taylor gets to be in charge of a league game the following weekend:
“I cannot coach but the referee can whistle the next game?”
According to The Athletic, Tuchel could be charged further by the FA for his comments. As it is, he will miss Chelsea’s trip to Leeds United due to the red card.