Xabi Alonso was forced to intervene during Chelsea's pre-season friendly with Johor Darul Ta'zim, pulling his newly appointed set-piece coach Austin MacPhee away from a touchline altercation.
The incident occurred after a strong challenge by defender Antonio Glauder on Chelsea striker Liam Delap just after the hour mark. Delap, who had scored two penalties in the match, was able to continue playing. Glauder later scored an own goal, allowing Chelsea to secure a 3-3 draw.
Coach's reaction sparks clash
MacPhee, recently hired from Aston Villa, reacted angrily to the tackle, leading to a confrontation with a member of the Johor coaching staff. Alonso stepped in to hold MacPhee back as tensions flared.
Centre-half Tosin Adarabioyo also led the response from Chelsea players, who were unhappy with the challenge.
MacPhee's role and background
MacPhee, known for his long blonde locks, had been a fixture alongside Unai Emery at Aston Villa, where he played a crucial role in the club's recent success. He joins Chelsea as Alonso assembles his own staff in west London.
Alonso's pedigree and Chelsea's season ahead
Alonso arrives at Chelsea with a strong pedigree, having previously managed Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. His time in Spain was short-lived but not disastrous, and he is highly regarded for his work in Germany, where he won the Bundesliga and the German Cup with Leverkusen, ending Bayern Munich's dominance.
Chelsea are looking to bounce back from a difficult campaign that saw them finish in mid-table and go through three managers: Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior, and Calum McFarlane.
The Blues will now return from their Far East tour, with Alonso's side playing Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday before their Premier League opener against Fulham on August 24.
