15 April 2024 , 23:03
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Cole Palmer revealed that Chelsea players were "laughing and joking" about the furious penalty incident which angered Mauricio Pochettino during their 6-0 win over Everton.
The Blues were 4-0 up when they were awarded a spot-kick just before the hour mark after Palmer was tripped inside the box. As he was still on the floor, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson both argued over wanting to take the penalty instead of Palmer, who is the regular taker.
Palmer ultimately took the penalty and scored, but both Jackson and Madueke had to be separated by club captain Conor Gallagher and Malo Gusto as he debate continued. Speaking after the game, Palmer, who netted FOUR goals on the night, offered a more light-hearted look on the incident.
"Other players wanted to take it, but I am the penalty taker and I wanted to take it," he told Sky Sports. "I think we are showing everyone is wanting to take responsibility it may be a bit over the top, but everyone wants to win – we are laughing and joking about it."
That was a completely different outlook to the one of Pochettino, who warned his players that he will not allow them to "behave in this way" again and apologised. It marred a really impressive performance and result for Chelsea, recording their biggest win of the season in the process.
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"It is a shame, he said. "I was telling the players when we arrived from the pitch. We had a meeting with all the staff also and we explained and were talking. For me it is a shame because we cannot behave in this way and I can only apologise.
"I told them that this is the last time that I accept this type of behaviour. Next time those involved in a situation like this are all out. This is not a joke.
A very unhappy Mauricio Pochettino (REX/Shutterstock)"It’s impossible after a performance like this to have this type of behaviour that shows that we are in a process and we will learn a lot. We are a great team fighting for big things. We need to change and think more in a collective way.
"It’s so clear and I made clear to them and through you, to the fans and to everyone that Cole Palmer is the taker, and then if Palmer wants to give it to another he can. But not in this way. It is a sad situation that happened and we have all agreed it cannot happen again."
Meanwhile, former Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli reacted to the incident and slammed the Chelsea players for their inexperience in those type of situations. He said: "This is them showing their age. I'm not there in the training ground but it's alright when it's 4-0 and not in a high-pressure game. It's always settled before the game.
The penalty incident marred the win (Getty Images)"It's a shame this is what happened because they had an amazing night but I am sure they will settle it."
Jamie Carragher added: "I think what happened was just ridiculous. It's daft. Come on lads. Pochettino is going to get asked about this, they have just won 6-0."
Palmer is now on 20 Premier League goals in a remarkable debut campaign at Stamford Bridge since his move from Manchester City last summer. He is now level with Erling Haaland at the top of the goalscoring charts, with Ollie Watkins just behind on 19 for the season.
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