Antonio Conte calls on referees to give Eden Hazard more protection after Manchester United tried to gang up on him
CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte has called on referees to give Eden Hazard more protection – after Manchester United tried to foul him out of the game.
The Red Devils were warned by Michael Oliver to stop fouling the Belgian on Monday night during Chelsea’s 1-0 win.
Antonio Conte during Chelsea’s training session at Stamford BridgeGetty Images
And Ander Herrera was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Hazard that resulted in an early bath for the Spaniard – even if the card seemed harsh.
Keep up to date with ALL the CHELSEA news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
Conte said: “For the referee it’s right to always make the best decision and for the players to have respect of the opponent and all football.
“I repeat: we play football.
Eden Hazard reacts to being fouled during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Manchester UnitedRex Features
“Then, I know, during the game you can get kicked. It’s normal, but the referee must pay great attention to try to respect the rules of football, because football is a great sport.”
But Conte is happy with the way Hazard’s season is going, with the Belgian in the frame for the PFA Player of the Year award he won two seasons ago.
Conte added: “Eden is showing great football but also great character and great personality in every game.
MOST READ IN SPORT
AN OFFER HE CAN'T REFUSE
Legendary WWE icon CM Punk offered staggering $1m to make a one-off return to the ring
AND HE'S WON IT
Ander Herrera bags player of the year award at Man United's lavish end of season bash hosted by Rachel Riley
'NOT A COACH'
Tony Adams: Arsene Wenger couldn't coach his way out of a paper bag... and Arsenal blocked me returning FOUR times
'I'LL DO IT RIGHT NOW'
WWE star Dean Ambrose wants cross-code fight in the UFC if he is paid $500,000
FAB DAY OUT
Amazing trio of Wags step out for launch of designer shoe shop... but who are their famous partners?
'i felt embarrassed for the club'
Arsenal legend Tony Adams on his shock at 'disrespectful' final contract offer
JUDGMENT DAY
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke 'set to jet into London' to discuss Arsene Wenger's future
'do something about your wife'
Sexy footie WAG in hot water after posing bizarre picture of herself on the LOO
dive bar
Premier League divers will be BANNED by the FA from next season after chiefs vote in support of rule shake-up
Two Games left lads!
Chelsea stars given midweek break by Antonio Conte after title heroics... but they've still got the FA Cup final to go
Blues in Aub-it
Chelsea want Borussia Dortmund's 37-goal hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to replace Diego Costa
power serg
Sergio Romero set to be Man Utd number one next season if David De Gea moves to Real Madrid
Feeling Bleus
Didier Deschamps blasts Martial's confidence as he snubs winger for France's clash with England
LONDON CALLING
Crystal Palace eye double raid for Man City's out-of contract full-backs Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy
UNITED FRONT
Fergie tapped me up twice but I turned Manchester United down because I was Arsenal through and through, says Tony Adams
SIX OF THE BEST
Leicester 1 Tottenham 6: Harry Kane hits four to become leading scorer in Premier League as Spurs rout Foxes at King Power Stadium
Dier Straits
Tottenham shaken as Eric Dier wants to leave along with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose... as both Manchester clubs prepare to swoop for Spurs stars
WRIGHT'S RULES
Tony Adams: Arsene Wenger changed time of training to suit Ian Wright because he hated confrontation
JOURNEY SOUTH
Bournemouth ready to offer Jermain Defoe a staggering £18million to land him from Sunderland
United offered Silva platter
Man United target and Monaco's £70m ace Bernardo Silva issues come-get-me plea
Cesc Fabregas with the ball during Chelseas training session at Stamford BridgeGetty Images
“He’s growing a lot in this aspect. For him it’s fantastic and also for the team.
“Hazard is the type of player that is very difficult to stop.
“People try to stop him in a good and bad way but I’m not worried about this.
“Eden is very strong physically, and he has showed me he is able to play in this league, which is very strong physically.
Leave a comment