Chelsea fans love Cole Palmer’s reaction to huge brawl – but work out clever reason why he didn’t get involved
CHELSEA fans loved Cole Palmer’s reaction to the huge brawl at the end of their draw with Nottingham Forest.
Players from both sides were involved in a scuffle on the touchline in the 89th minute.
Coaching staff members also rushed out of the dugout to try and calm the situation as tempers boiled over.
The brawl had been sparked by an altercation between Forest’s Neco Williams and Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella.
Williams shoved Cucurella into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, sending the manager flying.
Nicolas Jackson was also involved during the fracas as he appeared to slap Forest defender Morato.
Palmer stayed out of trouble, however, with footage from the stands showing him watching on before slumping to the floor.
Fans were quick to react on social media after seeing the playmaker sat on floor as he waited for the brawl to end.
Commenting on Palmer’s response, one supporter wrote: “Look at Palmer man, not a single thought in his head.”
However, others quickly pointed out that there may have been a reason behind his muted reaction.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
Another fan commented: “He was booked at the time, going into a fight was a sure fire way to get a red.”
A third also added: “He was on a yellow already so he didn’t want to risk it.”
Meanwhile, one more said: “Actually a lot of thoughts ffs. Aware enough to know he already has a yellow.”
Palmer had been booked in the 75th minute after some pushing and shoving before a Forest free-kick.
The visitors were also already down to 10-men following James Ward-Prowse’s second yellow card.
Despite Palmer not involving himself, Williams, Cucurella and Levi Colwill were all booked by referee Chris Kavanagh before the match resumed.
Neither side could find a winner, though, as it ended 1-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer added to his tally of goal contributions by setting up Noni Madueke to cancel out Chris Wood’s opener.
It means he now has five assists and six goals in seven league matches this season after his four-goal haul against Brighton last weekend.
Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing
CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.
Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener but the Blues couldn’t find a winner.
And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.
Robert Sanchez – 8
Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.
Malo Gusto – 6
Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.
Levi Colwill – 7
Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.
Marc Cucurella – 5
Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.
Enzo Fernandez – 5
Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.
Cole Palmer – 6
Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.
Noni Madueke – 8
Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.
Jadon Sancho – 4
Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.
Nicolas Jackson – 4
Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.
Subs
Joao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6
Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6
Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5
Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6
Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5