Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has admitted Chelsea are unlikely to face punishment for some distasteful chants from the Goodison Park away end during their Premier League clash against Everton. The Blues were unable to find a way through on Sunday afternoon which saw them draw 0-0 with the Toffees.
In terms of clear-cut chances, Nicolas Jackson forced Jordan Pickford into two smart saves while also seeing his close-range header strike the post. Iliman Ndiaye arguably had Everton's best opportunity when the ball broke his way in the box but his shot was expertly blocked by Tosin Adarabioyo.
Despite dropping points, Enzo Maresca was pleased with the result especially given the fact Everton have not lost on home soil in the league since August.
"I'm absolutely happy," Maresca admitted when asked for his thoughts on the result. "I just said to the players that I am more happy today than the Brentford game. The reason why is because I was quite worried about today's game; a tricky game, a tricky stadium, a tricky team.
"They are defensively top. They are one of the five best teams in Europe in terms of clean sheets. You struggle to create chances against them and it was not an easy game." However he may not have that feeling upon learning what was allegedly sung from the Chelsea away end.
According to our sister title the Liverpool Echo, unacceptable chants of “feed the Scousers” to the tune of “Do they know it’s Christmas?" could be heard from sections of the away end.
The FA have fined clubs in years gone by for the behaviour of supporters but Hackett does not believe any punishment will follow for Chelsea. “I agree with the Echo journalist (O’Neill) that the songs are unacceptable,” Hackett told Goodison News.
"The responsibility of spectator behaviour is the home club. If they thought appropriate and able to distinguish what is been shouted or chanted then they can issue a warning over the loudspeaker. Frankly, I will be surprised if any action will be taken by the authorities.”
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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