Chelsea’s assistant manager, Gianfranco Zola has explained why Blue’s manager, Maurizio Sarri was offended during their 2-2 draw with Burnley on Monday night.
Sarri was sent off following altercation with Burnley’s bench.
He shunned the press conference due to frustration and was represented by Zola.
Chelsea missed the chance to go to third position in the Premier League, and must now hope that Tottenham and Arsenal drop points against Brighton and Wolves respectively in midweek.
Jeff Hendrick had given the visitors a shock lead with a sensational volley from outside the area.
But N’Golo Kante scored an almost instant equaliser after good work from Eden Hazard on the left.
Gonzalo Higuain then put Chelsea into the lead with a well-taken strike from the angle, but Ashley Barnes stunned the home fans after sliding the Clarets level after a well-worked set piece.
Chelsea pushed hard for a late winner, but Sean Dyche’s side were well organised and defended their box masterfully to take a point which surely guarantees their safety from relegation.
Sarri, however, was represented by Zola at the press conference.
Asked who offended Sarri, Zola told Sky Sports, “the Burnley bench.
“I think something was said from the Burnley bench, but don’t tell me what I don’t want to go down that road.
“It is football and it is normal to have a lot of passion, it is normal to have tension. We felt unhappy and that Sarri was sent off.
“He tried to help Kevin Friend to move the players away, but Kevin misinterpreted it.”
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