Xabi Alonso forced to physically restrain new Chelsea coach during touchline brawl in Malaysia
Xabi Alonso was forced to intervene after Chelsea set-piece coach Austin MacPhee became involved in a heated touchline confrontation during Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Johor Darul Ta’zim.
The incident followed a heavy challenge on Liam Delap from Johor defender Antonio Glauder midway through the second half. Delap and several Chelsea players reacted angrily on the pitch, while tensions also escalated between the two coaching staffs.
The Times reports that Alonso eventually had to restrain MacPhee as the confrontation threatened to develop further.
Austin MacPhee Chelsea row follows Delap challenge
The flashpoint arrived in the 67th minute when Glauder went through Delap from behind.
Tosin Adarabioyo was among the Chelsea players to confront the Johor defender, while Nicolas Jackson was also involved as players from both sides gathered around the incident.
The Sun reports that MacPhee initially protested alongside Alonso before becoming involved in an exchange with a member of the Johor coaching staff. Alonso then stepped between the pair and pulled his assistant away.
Seven yellow cards were shown during an increasingly heated game, although Delap was able to continue after the challenge.
The striker had already scored twice from the penalty spot and played a major role as Chelsea recovered to earn a draw. ReadChelsea’s full match report details how Alonso’s rotated side came from behind three times.
MacPhee only joined Alonso’s coaching staff earlier this summer after leaving Aston Villa.
ReadChelsea previously examined what Austin MacPhee could bring to Chelsea, particularly through his set-piece work and detailed opposition preparation.
Sunday’s incident showed a different side of the Scottish coach.
Chelsea supporters on social media appeared to enjoy the passion shown by MacPhee after the challenge on Delap, although Alonso was clearly keen to prevent the situation escalating further.
The game eventually finished 3-3 after Glauder, who had been involved in the earlier confrontation, turned the ball into his own net in the 89th minute.
Chelsea now return home after completing the Asian leg of their pre-season programme, with Real Sociedad next up at Stamford Bridge.
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
Here We Go: Filip Jorgensen completes RC Strasbourg move after leaving Chelsea tour
Here We Go: Filip Jorgensen completes RC Strasbourg move after leaving Chelsea tour
Chelsea star left in tears as double injury blow overshadows 3-3 Johor pre-season draw
Chelsea star left in tears as double injury blow overshadows 3-3 Johor pre-season draw