CHELSEA’S SUNDERLAND PREP INTERRUPTED BY FIRE BRIGADE EMERGENCY CALL
Chelsea's Cobham training ground was evacuated over a suspected chlorine leak, causing a major scare hours before their Premier League match against Sunderland. Fire services confirmed a false alarm, allowing players to return.
Chelsea Players Rushed Out Before Sunderland Showdown - COURTESY/PHOTO
Hours before Chelsea's Premier League match against Sunderland, the players were evacuated from their training facility.
Due to safety concerns at its Cobham facility, the West London team's Friday afternoon training session was cancelled.
Fears of a chlorine leak were sparked by an alert in the complex's swimming pool area.
As the fire department rushed to the scene to look into the incident, players and personnel were told to vacate the building. When the event occurred, it is thought that a number of Chelsea players were already wearing their training attire.
After firefighters verified it was a false alarm, everyone was able to return to the building and collect their possessions.
According to The Sun, The Express says that Chelsea players were able to attend their scheduled training session at 3 p.m. despite the disturbance.
Chelsea FC released the following statement: "An automatically triggered alarm at Chelsea FC's Cobham training facility prompted fire services to react. All employees were safely evacuated as a precaution.
"Players and employees were allowed to reenter the premises after emergency services verified a false alarm."
A 56-foot-long, cutting-edge hydrotherapy pool is part of Chelsea's training complex. It has cameras and an underwater treadmill to help players recuperate from severe injuries, allowing personnel to track their progress.
With just two losses in their eight league games since their promotion last season, the Blues are hoping that Friday's incident will not have an impact on their next game against Sunderland.
In his news conference, Enzo Maresca expressed his opinions about the Black Cats: "I believe they demonstrate from the beginning of the season that they are a very strong squad; they collaborate, play as a team, and play together.
Additionally, they have the same number of points as us, demonstrating their strength from the beginning of the Premier League match. I do not believe any game can be easy; they are all challenging.
"Even if we play in the Premier League or the Champions League, I always follow the Championship because I loved it during my season with Leicester. Since the new manager took over last season, I have been watching Sunderland.
"They are performing exceptionally well, both this season and last. I truly enjoy the way they are doing things since they are physically powerful and play terrific football."
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.