Chelsea Boss Tuchel Calls on Fans to ‘Show Respect’ after Rudiger Hit by Object

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. (AFP)
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. (AFP)
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Chelsea Boss Tuchel Calls on Fans to ‘Show Respect’ after Rudiger Hit by Object

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. (AFP)
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. (AFP)

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said fans should show players respect from the stands after defender Antonio Rudiger was hit by objects thrown by Tottenham Hotspur supporters at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Rudiger, 28, was struck during the second half of Chelsea's 2-0 victory as goals from Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva gave them their first league win since Dec. 26.

The incident came a day after Aston Villa pair Lucas Digne, who joined from Everton two weeks ago, and Matty Cash were hit by objects thrown by home supporters at Goodison Park.

Merseyside Police have charged a 19-year-old with assault and throwing an item on the pitch during Everton's 1-0 defeat.

" ... Everybody needs to show respect and behave to certain guidelines, there's no doubt about it," said Tuchel.

"If this is a new trend we need to act together to make sure that it stops as soon as possible, to protect the fantastic environment and unique atmosphere of England."

Sky Sports reported Metropolitan Police had made two arrests and were working to identify anyone else involved in throwing objects during the match.



Neymar Sidelined after Testing Positive for COVID-19

FILE - Brazil's Neymar walk onto the pitch during his debut for Santos FC in a Sao Paulo league soccer match against Botafogo-SP, in Santos, Brazil, Feb. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner, file)
FILE - Brazil's Neymar walk onto the pitch during his debut for Santos FC in a Sao Paulo league soccer match against Botafogo-SP, in Santos, Brazil, Feb. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner, file)
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Neymar Sidelined after Testing Positive for COVID-19

FILE - Brazil's Neymar walk onto the pitch during his debut for Santos FC in a Sao Paulo league soccer match against Botafogo-SP, in Santos, Brazil, Feb. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner, file)
FILE - Brazil's Neymar walk onto the pitch during his debut for Santos FC in a Sao Paulo league soccer match against Botafogo-SP, in Santos, Brazil, Feb. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner, file)

Brazil forward Neymar has been sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, his club Santos said in a statement as quoted by Brazilian media.

The 33-year-old began showing symptoms on Thursday and was immediately removed from team activities. Medical tests later confirmed the viral infection, the Brazil Serie A side said on Saturday.

The club did not disclose how long Neymar will be out of action and did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Neymar is already ruled out of Thursday's league match at Fortaleza through suspension.

The Fortaleza match will be Santos' last outing before the Brazilian league pauses for the June 14-July 13 Club World Cup in the United States.

The former Barcelona forward's future at Santos remains undecided, with his contract set to expire on June 30. Limited by injury, he has made 12 appearances for Santos across all competitions this season, contributing three goals and three assists.