The Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG wasn't just about goals; it was about *hair*! A controversial incident involving João Neves of PSG and Marc Cucurella of Chelsea has set social media ablaze.
The Incident: A Tug of War... With Hair?
Late in the second half, with Chelsea leading 3-0, João Neves was shown a straight red card after a VAR review. The offense? Pulling Marc Cucurella's hair! The incident occurred near the touchline and, while seemingly innocuous at first glance, VAR deemed it worthy of a sending-off.
Replays showed Neves grabbing a handful of Cucurella's flowing locks. While the intent might not have been malicious, the rule is clear: violent conduct warrants a red card.
Reactions and Aftermath
The decision sparked outrage among PSG fans, who felt the punishment was too harsh. Chelsea supporters, naturally, saw it differently. The sending-off further hampered PSG's chances of a comeback, allowing Chelsea to maintain their dominance.
The game, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, also featured goals from Cole Palmer (2) and João Pedro, solidifying Chelsea's victory. The match was broadcast live on TV Globo, sportv, ge and globoplay. Big personalities like Donald Trump and J Balvin were also in attendance.
- Chelsea dominated with high pressing and quick transitions.
- PSG struggled to impose their possession-based style.
- The match was the final of the first 32-team Club World Cup.
The hair-pulling incident overshadowed what was an otherwise entertaining final. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor infractions can have major consequences in modern football, especially with the scrutiny of VAR.
Marc Cucurella, known for his acidic character and provocative nature, has a personal battle with his son's autism diagnosis, as revealed in a Prime Vídeo documentary. He is married to Claudia Rodriguez and has three children: Mateo, Rio and Bella.