Antonio Conte accused Manchester United of targeting Eden Hazard physically as Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, with a narrow 1-0 win.
Chelsea met Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, once again, albeit this time in the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup. And the Blues managed to eke out a 1-0 win to advance to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they are scheduled to meet Tottenham Hotspur, as per the draw.
But, Antonio Conte seemed displeased in the post-match conference as the Italian accused Manchester United of targeting Eden Hazard physically in the tie, with the Belgian constantly on the receiving end of kicks, when asked about the legitimacy of Ander Herrera’s early shower.
“ My point of view is that we want to play football and for the first 25 minutes it was impossible for Hazard to play because he got a lot of kicks. I’m not crazy and it’s not only me who saw it.”
“ He started [the game] receiving kicks and finished it receiving kicks, nobody can say that didn’t happen. A tactic doesn’t exist when you go to kick an opponent, it’s not football. Sometimes when you play against players with great talent you try to intimidate them and the ref must protect these type of players.”
While the social media platform is divided over whether Eden Hazard was targeted or whether he was choosing to go down softly, the referee indeed blew the whistle for a foul on the Belgian quite a number of times. And, Conte also hailed Hazard’s character, despite being targeted by the opposition.
“ He showed great character, strong character. After the first 25 minutes every player came short to receive the ball because they had fear of receiving a kick from behind. Eden showed great character, I know this. Some people may be surprised but I’m learning to know him very well this season and he’s shown me this.”
Chelsea now face Tottenham in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, with the Blues potentially looking at a double. But, they have to cross the hurdle posed by their North London rivals. But, first the focus shifts to the Premier League, where Chelsea travel to the Bet365 stadium to face Stoke City.
