Hazard brushes off fan incident in Malmo victory

EDEN Hazard was accosted by a shirt-seeking supporter at the full-time whistle of Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Malmo but downplayed the disturbing incident.

The culprit’s grip was released only when the Belgium forward handed over his shirt and Uefa are likely to investigate.

The fan, one of at least four from the home stands who encroached on to the playing surface, was escorted off by stewards, holding the shirt.

Hazard appeared unnerved, but later brushed off the moment.

“It’s not an incident. He just asked for my shirt,” said Hazard, who came on as a second-half substitute in the Europa League last-32 first leg in Sweden.

Chelsea responded from their 6-0 mauling at Manchester City but were less than convincing and received a stark warning from coach Maurizio Sarri afterwards.

The 60-year-old Italian said: “If we concede a goal like this to a team like Manchester City or United or Spurs, then you risk conceding three goals in 10 minutes. So we must do better, I think.”

Chelsea appeared to be coasting at 2-0, through goals from Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud but Anders Christiansen’s strike 10 minutes from time means the Blues’ progression to the last-16 is no formality.

Sarri’s future remains in doubt ahead of a crucial week: Monday’s FA Cup tie with Manchester United, next Thursday’s second leg with Malmo and the February 24 Carabao Cup Final with City.

The Wembley date is followed by the league clash with Tottenham.

Brendan Rodgers Celtic’s Ryan Christie takes on Valencia’s Geoffrey Kondogbia.