Three Chelsea players were embroiled in a physical row before the Blues’ fifth goal against Everton.
The Blues dominated their opponents throughout the game, with what looks like will be comfortable win, going 5-0 up just after an hour into the game that would help keep their European hopes alive.
Cole Palmer stole the show, netting a first half hat-trick as Everton crumbled in their fight to stay in the Premier League following two sets of points deductions.
The England hopeful also scored in the second half, slotting in from the spot when Noni Madueke was fouled in the penalty area, though the call didn’t come without controversy with a number of Blues players involved in a somewhat scuffle on-field.
Palmer ultimately took the penalty, but both Madueke and Nicolas Jackson were involved in a squabble that had to be broken up by the likes of Conor Gallagher and Malo Gusto.
Three Chelsea players were involved in an on-field bust-up before Cole Palmer’s penalty against Everton
Noni Madueke (right) had wanted to take the spot kick, with Cole Palmer (centre) the designated taker
Captain Conor Gallagher (centre) intervened to separate the three players before Palmer took the kick
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It had initially looked like Palmer had been fouled in the box, but referee Paul Tierney waved play on before Madueke too went down.
Eventually, the referee pointed to the spot, understood to be for the tackle on Palmer, and it looked like Madueke, who had tried to take take the spot kick Palmer scored against Manchester United a fortnight ago, and Jackson would battle it out to take the spot kick with the Blues already 4-0 up.
Sky TV cameras showed the two players arguing as it cut to a replay, but, when cameras cut back to the live feed, Palmer could be seen with the ball in his hands.
Jackson and Madueke appeared livid with Palmer, who has now netted nine out of nine penalties in the Premier League this season.
With Gallagher getting involved, Palmer pushed Jackson as the Blues captain ensured he stayed away, telling the forward, who scored Chelsea’s fourth goal, to calm down.
Jackson appeared frustrated that Gallagher had taken the ball from Madueke to give to Palmer, and received a push from his captain, with the England midfielder also shoving Madueke away.
Madueke and Jackson could be seen arguing outside the box, with Jackson putting his arms out in frustration.
‘Grow up,’ former Arsenal forward Alan Smith said of the situation on Sky Sports commentary. ‘I’ve never seen anything like it.
‘Cole Palmer is the designated taker and he is the best one at it.’
Madueke also appeared frustrated when he was substituted later in the game, asking his manager Mauricio Pochettino if he could carry on despite appearing injured.
Palmer was congratulated by both players upon scoring the penalty, and shared a high-five with Jackson as he was substituted around 15 minutes from time.
