Cesc Fabregas played the role as Tottenham’s antagoniser during Monday night’s Battle of Stamford Bridge, according to Daily Mail.
The London derby between Chelsea and Spurs descended into farce as players and staff from both clubs clashed violently throughout the encounter.
And, in the aftermath of the fiery match, it is emerging that Tottenham players believe Chelsea midfielder Fabregas was the lead instigator of Monday’s furious scenes.
Fabregas is said to have been issuing constant verbals to the Spurs players during Monday night’s clash
Fabregas appeared to be approached by Spurs first-team coach Miguel D’Agostino after full-time
As well as winding up the Tottenham players mid-game, Fabregas’ pre-match title comments rankled, too
Fabregas, who had the most touches of any other player on the pitch, is claimed to have uttered constant verbals to Spurs players throughout the clash.
The Spain international said in the lead-up to the game that he preferred Leicester win the title over Tottenham.
Privately, Spurs players are understood to have been infuriated by Fabregas and Eden Hazard after both went public with their preference for the Foxes to finish top.
Fabregas and Costa celebrate in front of the Spurs fans after Chelsea make it 2-2. Spurs fans appear to throw objects including coins at the Chelsea players
And that, coupled with Fabregas’ wind-up tactics during the clash at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, is claimed to have been the key factor in Tottenham players losing their tempers.
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino defended his heartbroken side’s behaviour on Monday night.
Mousa Dembele could face a lengthy ban after TV replays appeared to show the Spurs midfielder eye-gouging Chelsea striker Diego Costa during a furious touchline bust-up in the first half.
Similarly, another clash at full-time saw Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink, 69, shoved to the floor as both sets of players and staff confronted each other again, this time next to the tunnel.
Mousa Dembele’s eye-gouge on Diego Costa may be of particular interest to FA disciplinary chiefs
In addition, there were various clashes between both sets of players on the pitch as tempers boiled over, while Pochettino and Chelsea coach Steve Holland were involved in an angry exchange on the sidelines.
The Football Association have launched an investigation into the flashpoints that marred the clash, which could mean heavy punishments for both clubs.
Dembele’s eye-gouge may be of particular interest to Wembley disciplinary chiefs on Tuesday.
If the incident was missed by referee Mark Clattenburg then the influential Belgian could face retrospective disciplinary action from the FA.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino may also be punished after entering the pitch to break up a row
Dembele could be slapped a hefty suspension that may rule him out for the rest of the season and the start of the next campaign if the clash with Costa is subject to an FA probe.
Likewise, manager Pochettino could also find himself in hot water after storming on to the pitch to separate a confrontation between Chelsea attacker Willian and Spurs left back Danny Rose.
The pair stood toe-to-toe just in front of Pochettino’s technical area following a 50/50 challenge and the Spurs manager took matters into his own hands by entering the pitch to separate the duo.
A brawl broke out close to the tunnel entrance at Stamford Bridge as the teams headed off at full-time
The Argentine’s surprise intervention triggered the first-half melee between the two teams.
Pochettino was involved in another heated confrontation after the final whistle when further clashes between players and management staff erupted at the tunnel entrance, during which Hiddink took a painful-looking tumble.
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink was shoved to the floor as both sets of players and staff squared up
On this occasion, a clash between Fabregas and Rose sparked the mass brawl, which saw Spurs substitute Michel Vorm and Chelsea striker Costa become embroiled in the confrontation.
Tottenham will face an automatic fine for earning nine bookings, while both clubs could face charges of failing to control their players.
The FA will await referee Clattenburg’s report before deciding whether to investigate the various bust-ups.
COMMENTS