Chelsea duo blasted ’embarrassing’ after what happened to West Ham ace Fabianski
Andrew Dillon has blasted Chelsea duo Pedro Neto and Marc Cucurella for their play-acting after what happened to Lukasz Fabianski for West Ham in their game against Southampton.
The Hammers goalkeeper was forced off on a stretcher after 36 minutes in his side’s 1-0 victory against Southampton on 26 December.
As a result of following concussion protocol, the 39-year-old missed his side’s game against Liverpool on Sunday (29 December) and is also ruled out of Saturday’s (4 January) game against Manchester City.
After the seriousness of Fabianski’s injury, journalist Dillon ripped into Neto and Cucurella for their actions in subsequent games as he wrote in The Sun’s print edition (3 January, page 50): “When West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski clattered to the ground following a hefty collision with Southampton defender Nathan Wood, he lay completely still.
“Chelsea’s legendary hardman Ron Harris once informed me in blunt tones that you know when a player is seriously hurt because they lie completely still. He should know.
“What Chopper would make of the antics of some of Chelsea’s modern-day divas would be fascinating to learn.
“Pedro Neto and Marc Cucurella have tarnished the name of all victims of serious injury everywhere with their play-acting.
“First, Cucurella ran into the shoulder of Brentford’s Vitaly Janelt to con referee Peter Bankes into giving Chelsea a free kick after rolling around on the deck in mock agony.
“Even more ludicrous, Neto launched himself at the passing figure of Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, bounced off, then performed an impressive ‘caterpillar’ breakdance move whilst horizontal, clutching his face and even looking up to see if ref Sam Barrott had noticed.
“Chelsea have a fabulous team of footballers and a genuinely nice manager in Enzo Maresca. They don’t need to resort to these antics.
“They are embarrassing their head coach and taking the shine off the great work he is doing.”
Lukasz Fabianski unavailable for West Ham v Manchester City
After going off the pitch on a stretcher following what looked like a really nasty clash, West Ham and the goalkeeper may be thinking themselves lucky that the extent of the injury wasn’t more serious.
Luckily for the Hammers, they do have the experienced Alphonse Areola on the bench who has continuously competed with Fabianski and therefore felt well-equipped to come into the team.
It hasn’t been the best start for the Frenchman as he conceded five goals against Liverpool after seeing the Southampton victory out, meaning he will be out for redemption against Manchester City.
It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen the two Irons goalkeepers battle it out for top spot in the side and Areola could easily find himself in demand again with a strong performance.
Fabianski has to remain on the sidelines for Saturday’s clash, following concussion protocol, but the Polish keeper will no doubt be hoping to get back out there soon in order to help his side have a better second half of the campaign.
In other West Ham news, Gabby Agbonlahor singled out one Irons star after their 5-0 hammering by Liverpool.
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