Chelsea legend John Terry clashed with referee Mark Clattenburg on the pitch as emotions ran high in the Baller League. The former defender is in charge of the 26ers, who picked up their first point on Monday.
Not quite under the lights of Stamford Bridge but within London's Copper Box arena, Terry and Clattenburg didn't hold back in a fiery exchange following a contentious decision that left the former Chelsea captain frustrated. The heated debate arose when Terry's side were instructed to relinquish possession to their opponents FC RTW.
Chelsea icon Terry initially refused to back down. Confronting the referee, the five-time Premier League winner told Clattenburg: "I’ve got to do your job for you!"
The Baller League format allows managers to challenge refereeing decisions, something Clattenburg seemed to advise Terry against in this instance.
Despite showing clear dissent, Terry chose not to deploy his challenge. Nonetheless, this wasn’t the only intense confrontation during the match.
In an earlier incident that stoked the match between 26ers and FC RTW, the referee sent off former Manchester United midfielder Josh Harrop.
The 29-year-old, who has one Premier League game to his name with United, was dismissed for impeding a 26ers counterattack, which resulted in a two-minute penalty.
Harrop didn't hold back as he tackled Sak Hassan near the byline. Hassan was quick to retaliate, getting up and pushing the former Preston star.
Soon enough, both teams were involved in a minor physical altercation, with some players trying to separate the instigators.
The match ended in a draw, with the 26ers securing their first point in the tournament. Terry would have been disappointed not to secure a win, especially after his team conceded a late goal to Manuchim Oke-William, making the final score 3-3.
Football legends like Gary Lineker, Ian Wright and Luis Figo are managing some of the teams in the competition, while YouTube celebrities Angry Ginge and Simon Minter, from the Sidemen, are leading others. Even ex-Premier League stars such as Marvin Sordell and Ciaran Clark have dusted off their boots to participate.
After three games, Terry's side sit 11th in the table. Former Liverpool and Bournemouth winger Jordan is the most eye-catching name within his 26ers squad.
Meanwhile, Yanited, managed by YouTuber Angry Ginge, lead the standings after starting with three consecutive wins. Ex-Chelsea man Michael Hector is part of the Yanited squad despite recently joining National League side Dagenham & Redbridge.
