Chelsea have thrashed European champions Paris Saint-Germain to win FIFA’s Club World Cup – as Donald Trump watched from the stands.
The French side were the heavy favourites to win the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey but were 3-0 down within 43 minutes.
They eventually finished the game with 10 men after midfielder Joao Neves pulled Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella’s hair in the 85th minute
Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer had scored almost identical finishes in the 22nd and 30th minute to give the West London side a two-goal advantage a third of the way through the tie.
The England international later played a neat pass to Brazilian forward Joao Pedro – who lifted the ball over PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to give the Blues a three-goal advantage just before half-time.
PSG came out strong at the start of the second half and nearly narrowed the deficit in the 53rd minute when Ousmane Dembele struck at goal from six yards.
However, it was well-saved by Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez who put in a strong performance all night for the West London side.
Goalscorer Pedro received a standing ovation from the Chelsea fans as he was replaced by Liam Delap on the 67th minute – with the Englishman nearly scoring with his first touches of the game as he had a shot from outside the area well-saved by Donnarumma.
Following the final whistle players from both sides appeared to be involved in a large altercation on the pitch.
PSG coach Luis Enrique appeared to grab at Pedro’s neck while he and Donnarumma confronted Chelsea players.
The pre-match programme, which included a performance from Robbie Williams and a US Air Force flyover, overran and led to a kick-off delay.
A musical medley which featured J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Chris Martin from Coldplay took place at half-time high-up at the 82,5000 seater stadium as the pitch was watered in the high heat.
The Club World Cup attracted controversy as critics said it would further congest the football calendar and risk the health of players, especially because the featured teams are some of the most successful in the world, meaning they often remain in other knockout competitions until the latter stages.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mpappe said: “We play like already, 60 games in the year… you have so many competitions. And we are happy to play, but when it’s too much, it’s too much.
“I think we have to respect the health of the players,” the Frenchman continued.
