No probe into Terry sub stunt
THE Premier League insist they will not investigate the absurd spectacle which saw Sunderland, Chelsea and John Terry collude yesterday to let the departing Blues captain be substituted after 26 minutes — the same number he wears on his shirt.
The idea is believed to have come from Terry — and both managers, Antonio Conte and David Moyes, agreed to the farce.
Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford kicked the ball out in the 26th minute after being reminded to do so by Chelsea players.
It then took Terry two full minutes to actually leave the field as his teammates gave him a guard of honour.
Critics suggested the arrangement was akin to a spot-fixing stunt, but the Premier League said Terry had not broken any rules.
Betting experts told Sportsmail that even if there had been a gamble on a 26th-minute substitution, bookies would not pay out for such a contrived event.
Sunderland boss Moyes admitted: ‘Diego Costa asked Jordan to kick the ball out. We knew it was happening.’
The backlash on social media was fierce, with critics claiming that, on the day Chelsea were presented with the Premier League trophy, Terry had instead made the occasion all about him.
The 36-year-old will argue his right to dictate his own goodbye after 717 appearances, particularly in a match that, with the title won and relegation determined, was tantamount to a friendly. Similarly, Chelsea will feel they earned the right to bid farewell to their long-serving captain any way they saw fit.
Terry was embraced by every one of his team-mates before sauntering off to a guard of honour. The Stamford Bridge crowd were just as intent on showing their gratitude. Terry looked close to tears. His wife, Toni, wasn’t as successful in her attempts to prevent herself from crying.
After the game, microphone in hand, Terry finally cracked, breaking down as he thanked all of the club’s players and staff, including owner Roman Abramovich.
‘Thank you will never ever be enough, but I’ll tell you what: I’ll be back here one day,’ he said. ‘I’m going to be supporting the players and the club from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much, I love you all.’
Terry could still be afforded one last hurrah in next week’s FA Cup final against Arsenal.
The probability of him starting at Wembley is virtually non-existent.
Nonetheless, you wouldn’t bet against him having a 16th major honour by Saturday night.
Conte will do all he can to ensure Terry goes out on another high, the Italian’s team selection yesterday pointing towards next week’s Wembley showpiece. But for the inclusions of Willian, Cesc Fabregas and Terry; Chelsea were at full strength as their manager looked to maintain his team’s title-winning momentum.
Was it a risk? Yes. Did it pay off? Of course. Everything Conte’s touched has turned to gold this season.
Javi Manquillo gave Sunderland a shock lead in the third minute, but Conte’s men responded in emphatic fashion.
Willian, Eden Hazard and Pedro fired them ahead, before Michy Batshuayi netted a late double.