sport news Part two of the Battle of the Bridge was EXACTLY what the English game is all ... trends now
Chaos, anarchy and pandemonium. For many, the tempestuous scenes that erupted during this pulsating London derby were probably all very unpalatable.
If that is what you think then, please, give your head a wobble. Because this was tremendous, beautiful and thrilling.
No doubt Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte will find themselves in the firing line this week. They will both be suspended after being sent off for the second of two irate exchanges.
Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte were sent off for clashing on the touchline after full-time
Tuchel will likely land himself in further trouble after appearing to accuse referee Anthony Taylor of bias against his team, so much so that supporters have started an online petition to ensure the official is banned from taking charge of Chelsea games.
Both managers could also face hefty FA fines for misconduct, although disciplinary chiefs will await Taylor’s report before issuing any extra punishment.
They will also likely face criticism from the holier than thou fraternity who believe football should be whiter than white. What rubbish.
Because what transpired in west London yesterday was football in its purist form — passion, aggression, pain, joy and just about everything in between.
Of course, there is always a line that should not be crossed and Tuchel and Conte overstepped the mark.
Reece James' 77th-minute strike brought an eruption amongst Blues fans at Stamford Bridge
But for match-going supporters the fury and intensity that nearly saw the managers come to blows twice during the latest Battle of the Bridge — remember the 2016 version when Chelsea denied Spurs in a brutal 2-2 draw that gave the title to Leicester? — is what English football is all about. Or at least should be.
Neither manager was willing to give an inch, neither considered backing down. Exactly the way it should be.
‘Look me in the eye,’ roared Tuchel in Conte’s face at the full-time whistle.
The German, with a vice-like grip on the Italian’s hand in the most pointless full-time handshake ever, believed his opponent was showing him disrespect.
‘I thought when we shake
