'We should act to stop it as soon as possible': Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel urges English football to unite after Antonio Rudiger became the latest player to be targeted missiles thrown by fans during London derby against Tottenham

  • Antonio Rudiger was targeted with a missile by Tottenham fans against Chelsea
  • It comes after two Aston Villa players were hit by a bottle thrown by Everton fans 
  • Thomas Tuchel has urged action to be taken to stop similar incidents happening 

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says English football must unite to prevent further fan disorder following a weekend of shame.

Just 24 hours after Aston Villa pair Lucas Digne and Matty Cash were hit with a bottle thrown by Everton fans during Saturday's clash at Goodison Park, Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger's feud with Tottenham fans spilled over again on Sunday after he was targeted with a missile by away fans.

And Tuchel said: 'I love to have them (fans) close to the pitch. Not behind fences and not behind nets. It's a brilliant atmosphere.

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger was targeted with a missile by Tottenham fans

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger was targeted with a missile by Tottenham fans

It comes after Aston Villa pair Matty Cash and Lucas Digne were hit with a bottle thrown from the Everton end

It comes after Aston Villa pair Matty Cash and Lucas Digne were hit with a bottle thrown from the Everton end 

'In general I'm not concerned. I enjoy this atmosphere, also in away stadiums, it's brilliant.


'If it's a new trend we should act together to stop it as soon as possible to protect the environment of this game and the atmosphere that's absolutely unique in England.'

Germany international Rudiger appeared to make referee Paul Tierney aware that a object was thrown in his direction by Spurs fans behind the goal he was defending towards the end of the second half. 

Rudiger was seen smiling as he picked up the lighter and threw it off the pitch

Rudiger was seen smiling as he picked up the lighter and threw it off the pitch

Thomas Tuchel has urged English football to help stop similar incidents from happening again

Thomas Tuchel has urged English football to help stop similar incidents from happening again

The object is understood to have been a firelighter, while Tierney is said to have requested a bigger steward presence by the Spurs fans after the incident.

Chelsea boss Tuchel declined to comment on the flashpoint directly after the game, saying he was unaware of the incident. It is understood Rudiger is unlikely to take the matter further.

Rudiger has history with Tottenham supporters. He accused Spurs fans of racially abusing him during a clash between the two team in 2019.

However, no one was punished after an investigation into the flashpoint, prompting Rudiger to say 'racism has won'.

Antonio Rudiger's side took a 2-0 victory Tottenham during the London derby on Sunday

Antonio Rudiger's side took a 2-0 victory Tottenham during the London derby on Sunday