Chelsea surrounded the match referee during their pre-match huddle prior to kick-off on Saturday in an extraordinary scene at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's form is not good – and huddling around the match ball or even a stone-faced referee is unlikely to make things better

Chelsea: Liam Rosenior slams referee in Newcastle loss as penalty call 'missed' after huddle disrupted - Chelsea suffered a blow in their bid to seal a top-four Premier League finish

Chelsea vs. Newcastle United live: Premier League match preview, predicted lineups, injuries, how to watch, and a 7.5/10 must-watch rating.

The head coach said the ritual is to "respect the ball, show unity and leadership" and he was "disappointed" that Tierney didn't move away.

LIAM ROSENIOR blasted referee Paul Tierney for gatecrashing Chelsea’s pre-match huddle. Tierney stood his ground and was surrounded by the Blues squad as they performed their now regular

Germain's rampant attack saved its sloppy defense against Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday. Although PSG won 5-2 at home in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 game, PSG's late goals glossed over another mediocre defensive performance.

The Magpies have not fared too well at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons but Eddie Howe's side - much-changed from the draw with Barcelona in midweek - impressed in the capital on Saturday evening.