Chelsea surround referee Paul Tierney in pre-match team huddle

"No, it wasn't [from me]. The idea came from the players, and I really like it because they're showing unity and togetherness and spirit, and I think you need that. Before anything, you start talking about tactics or systems, you need a group of players willing to run and fight for each other."

"It is a practice that Liam Rosenior's Chelsea side have used before games in recent weeks. But this time referee Paul Tierney was standing on the centre-circle and was subsequently caught in the middle of Chelsea's huddle, holding the match ball. It made for a rather amusing but unprecedented scene before kick-off as Chelsea's players were forced to talk to each other in the huddle across Tierney."

Chelsea's players gathered around referee Paul Tierney on the centre-circle before their Premier League match against Newcastle, creating an unprecedented scene. The huddle practice has become a regular feature under manager Liam Rosenior, initiated by the players themselves rather than coaching staff. Tierney stood in the middle holding the match ball while Chelsea's XI communicated across him. Rosenior praised the huddle concept, emphasizing that it demonstrates player unity, togetherness, and spirit. He believes such cohesion is essential before discussing tactics or systems, as players must be willing to fight for each other.

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