Chelsea Players Face Backlash Over Mascot Snub
Chelsea's footballers have been branded as "arrogant" and "entitled" after a video emerged showing them completely ignoring a group of young mascots before their FA Cup clash with Hull City. The incident occurred at the MKM Stadium on Friday evening, prior to the fifth-round tie, and has provoked a furious reaction from fans and commentators alike.
The Snub That Sparked Outrage
The Championship club had arranged for the excited youngsters to wait near the away dressing room as the Premier League squad arrived from their team bus. However, footage posted by Chelsea's official club account captured the moment the players, led by captain Reece James, walked straight past the children without any acknowledgment.
In the 31-second clip, the boys can be seen waiting patiently alongside Hull City staff as the Chelsea stars approach. At one point, forward Liam Delap appeared to be walking toward the group but instead diverted to hug a member of Hull's staff from his previous time at the club. The camera then shows experienced players including Robert Sanchez and Joao Pedro continuing to walk past the waiting children, who are left standing alone as the clip concludes.
Social Media Fury Erupts
The video, which has been viewed over 2.8 million times, triggered an immediate and intense backlash across social media platforms. GB News presenter Michelle Dewberry expressed her disgust on X, writing: "You should be ashamed your players act like this with these little boys. Instead, you're proud and desperate to share it. Gross."
Many other users echoed this sentiment, with one commenting: "Chelsea admin watched this video and thought it was a great idea! In reality again they look like a bunch of entitled divas." Another branded it a "terrible look," adding: "Not one Chelsea player acknowledging or high-fiving the mascots. Who stole the soul?"
Even Chelsea Fans Express Disappointment
Remarkably, the criticism extended to Chelsea's own supporters, who joined in condemning their team's behavior. One fan lamented: "We have a great video of our overpaid, arrogant and self-centered players walking past a bunch of kids and ignoring them."
Another supporter suggested: "It would be nice if they looked at the mascots at all, even a smile, a glance or a wave. Would mean the world to those kids." A sixth observer noted: "Literally none of them recognised the young children waiting to see them turn up. Okay they are Hull City fans but would it hurt them to high five them or recognise their presence."
Unclear If Any Recognition Occurred
It remains uncertain whether any members of the Chelsea team or coaching staff acknowledged the children after the video was recorded. The club has not issued any official statement regarding the incident or the subsequent public reaction.
Football Success Overshadowed by Controversy
The controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a successful evening for Chelsea on the pitch. The Blues secured a comprehensive 4-0 victory, with a hat-trick from Pedro Neto and an additional goal from Estevao. This result ensures Chelsea's place in Monday evening's fifth-round draw for the prestigious FA Cup competition.
However, the post-match discussion has been dominated not by the team's impressive performance, but by their perceived lack of basic courtesy toward the young supporters who had been eagerly awaiting their arrival. The incident has raised questions about player-fan interactions and the responsibilities of professional athletes as role models, particularly when dealing with young admirers.
