- Chelsea’s game against Nottingham Forest descended into a brawl
- Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams shoved Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella
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Chelsea‘s clash against Nottingham Forest descended into a brawl in the closing stages of the game with many of the players wading into the melee.
Forest defender Neco Williams was seen shoving Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella into Blues boss Enzo Maresca.
The brawl broke out in the 89th minute of the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Footage appeared to show Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson slap Forest star Morato amid the fracas – though VAR ruled that it was not violent conduct. He could yet face retrospective action.
Chris Wood had given Forest the lead in the 49th minute, with Noni Madueke equalising for Chelsea eight minutes later – his four goal in six league games.
Neco Williams was involved as Nottingham Forest’s game v Chelsea descended into a brawl
Players from both sides were involved in the clash towards the end of the game
Neco Williams and Levi Colwill were amongst those booked following the incident
Williams was seen pushing Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella into Enzo Maresca
Forest’s James Ward-Prowse was sent off in the 78th minute after a bizarre moment which saw him tumble and grab the ball with both hands while chasing Nicolas Jackson.
Towards the end of the game Williams and Cucurella were both attempting to win the ball.
Williams pushed Cucurella into Maresca, with the Chelsea boss falling to the ground.
That led to a major brawl involving players from both teams.
Maresca looked to reduce the tensions, as did Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Both Williams and Cucurella received yellow cards, with Chelsea’s Levi Colwill also being cautioned.
In total six Chelsea players found themselves in the book throughout the match while three Forest stars suffered the same fate, if you include Ward-Prowse.
Chelsea will be fined £50,000 – double the amount they were fined against Bournemouth when eight players and a staff member were carded.
Their young charges have the worst disciplinary record in the Premier League, but Maresca insisted he has no problem with their behaviour. ‘
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca attempted to calm the tensions after a brawl broke out
He said: ‘It’s something we need to improve but overall, I like the team the way they are fighting. I like the way they are becoming a team in these kinds of things. I don’t see any problems about that
‘For sure, there are things that we can control and do better, for sure no doubt, and probably this is one of the things. But if you ask me about the team spirit, the way they are fighting together, the way they are doing things together, I’m very happy.’
On the fine, he said: ‘I am not going to pay it!’