A strange scene unfolded just before kickoff, as Chelsea players gathered around the ball and referee Paul Tierney. The referee remained within the center circle as television cameras panned across. Cole Palmer even playfully hugged Tierney, before captain Reece James asked his teammates to stop.

Referee Tierney (in yellow) stood in the center circle formed by Chelsea players before the round 30 premier league match at Stamford Bridge, London, England on 14/3. Photo: Reuters

Referee Tierney (in yellow) stood in the center circle formed by Chelsea players before the round 30 premier league match at Stamford Bridge, London, England on 14/3. Photo: Reuters

"I am disappointed," Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior said when asked about Tierney's presence in the team's huddle. "There is too much attention and emphasis on things that are not important. If Tierney had focused more on his job — which is to make the right decisions — then we would have had a penalty today. I do not think anyone in this room can say that Nick Woltemade did not kick Cole Palmer's foot in the penalty area."

Chelsea first performed their center-circle huddle ritual in their 4-1 away victory against Aston Villa earlier this month. Besides demonstrating team unity, this action is also believed to annoy opposing players and fans. Referee Tierney's action of standing in the middle of the circle was seen as a protest against Chelsea's ritual.