Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino slam reaction to Conor Gallagher mascot video
In the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell, Gallagher again wore the captain's armband and led his side out onto the Stamford Bridge pitch.
Prior to doing so, the England international pleasantly greeted one mascot, but failed to shake the hand of another, who held his hand out for Gallagher for several seconds with the midfielder seemingly oblivious to the gesture.
The video of the incident has since gone viral with the 24-year-old receiving widespread criticism and abuse on social media.
However, prior to Thursday's game with Manchester United on Thursday, the Blues and Pochettino have leaped to the defence of the academy graduate.
What have Chelsea had to say?In a club statement, Chelsea said: «Chelsea Football Club is aware of a video clip circulating on social media from Saturday's fixture against Burnley, which has been taken considerably out of context.
»The subsequent level of abuse and defamatory comments directed towards Conor Gallagher is completely unacceptable.
«We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.»
Pochettino 'very upset' over Gallagher abuse'Addressing the incident at a press conference on Wednesday, Pochettino told reporters: «It has upset me so much because no one wants to do something like this, with this intention. He was so well, with so many photos, videos and photography with both mascots and then when you play football, you are there, you are focusing on so many things, focusing to play, to start the game, that sometimes can happen.
Read on sportsmole.co.uk
