MX23RW : Tuesday, January 1 00:04:58

Sarri criticises 'stupid people' after further allegations against Chelsea fans

Sarri criticises 'stupid people' after further allegations against Chelsea fans
© Reuters
Eden Hazard scored twice for the Blues at Vicarage Road.

Maurizio Sarri says tackling racism is a "fight against stupid people" following further allegations of racist chanting by Chelsea fans during the 2-1 win at Watford.

A minority of the away end were reported to have been heard shouting discriminatory remarks during the Boxing Day clash at Vicarage Road.

It follows other incidents from some Blues supporters in December, with Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling allegedly being targeted by racist abuse at Stamford Bridge while UEFA is investigating alleged anti-Semitic chanting during a Europa League game in Hungary.

Maurizio Sarri wants discriminatory chants to be eradicated
Maurizio Sarri wants discriminatory chants to be eradicated (Steven Paston/PA)

Blues manager Sarri believes racism remains a problem in society and is not confined to supporters of his club.

"First of all I want to speak with my club, second I don't want to generalise because 99 per cent our fans are really wonderful," replied Sarri when asked about the issue.

"In every community, I think there are some stupids.

"And so altogether we have to fight against the stupid people but not against the Chelsea fans."

Eden Hazard's double secured victory for Chelsea as they returned to winning ways following Saturday's shock home defeat to Leicester.

Eden Hazard struck twice for Chelsea
Eden Hazard struck twice for Chelsea (Steven Paston/PA)

Hazard rounded Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster in first-half stoppage time to slide home his 100th goal for the club and open the scoring.

Roberto Pereyra volleyed the hosts level less than three minutes later but Hazard, once again deployed as a false nine, converted the second-half winner from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Foster.

The result moves Chelsea back into fourth place in the Premier League and, afterwards, Sarri put Hazard in a similar bracket to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Of course, he's very important for us but (Lionel) Messi's very important for Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo's very important for Juventus," said the Italian.

"He is a very great player. He's able to play in every position, at the moment he is playing like a false number nine and he is very able to play in that position.

"He is very able to come to play with team-mates, he is very able to open spaces for team-mates. I think he can play very well in every position."

Watford's loss followed successive top-flight victories to leave them ninth in the table.

The hosts were denied a penalty by referee Martin Atkinson when Gerard Deulofeu went down following a tangle with David Luiz at 1-1.

Javi Gracia, right, watched his side get beat at home
Javi Gracia, right, watched his side get beat at home (Steven Paston/PA)

Hornets manager Javi Gracia suggested his team were unfortunate not to be awarded a spot-kick for that incident.

"I prefer not to say many things about that, I prefer not to say my opinion today," said the Spaniard.

He added: "We know it's difficult playing against Chelsea because they are a very good team, but I think we've tried.

"I'm proud of the effort of my players and we try to do better and get a better result in the next game."

Speaking about the contribution of match-winner Hazard, Gracia said: "Always you know he's a player with special quality, speed, skilful and it's difficult to stop him – not only him, all of them are very good players."


Click here for more stories about Maurizio Sarri

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Share this article now:
Abdoulaye Doucoure in action for Watford in November 2018
Read Next:
PSG 'join race for Everton target Doucoure'
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool2017304884054
2Manchester CityMan City20152354163847
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs20150543212245
4Chelsea20134338162243
5Arsenal20115442301238
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd2010554132935
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves208572323029
8Leicester CityLeicester208482423128
9Watford208482728-128
10Everton207673130127
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham208392730-327
12Bournemouth2082102837-926
13Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton207492227-525
14Crystal Palace2054111726-919
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2046101527-1218
16Cardiff CityCardiff2053121938-1918
17Southampton2036112138-1715
18Burnley2043131941-2215
19Fulham2035121843-2514
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2024141235-2310

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account