Chelsea boss Ancelotti: I'll fine any player who puts pressure on referee

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his players have been warned to improve their attitudes towards referees – or face a hefty fine.

Under Jose Mourinho, Chelsea developed a reputation of contesting almost every decision vehemently, an approach which reached its zenith when Ashley Cole turned his back on referee Mike Riley at Spurs.

Ancelotti said: “If a player puts pressure on the referee during a training game, they have to leave the pitch.

“I do not accept protests like that and I don’t like it when a player complains to the referee. I think the players should stay and focus on the game.

“If any players get a red card for dissent, for protesting, for sure they will be fined.

“I know how hard it is for referees. Perhaps what happened with Ireland shows the need for technology, although I know FIFA are against it.

“On Thursday, I was the referee for a little game in training with the first-team players -  I did a bad job and Ashley (Cole) and John (Terry) lost.

“So on Friday the players arrived with a present, a package for me. I opened it and there was a pair of big joke glasses! I know how hard it is for the referees.”