Chelsea Boss Antonio Conte Apologizes to Official for Getting Sent Off

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Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte got sent to the stands tonight in the Blues 1-0 win over Swansea City at Stamford Bridge. Conte got booted for disputing the referee’s decision not to award a corner kick when the ball went behind off Alfie Mawson. After the match, Conte revealed to his news conference that he later apologized to referee Neil Swarbrick and official Lee Mason, for his outburst that got him ejected from the touchline.

The Italian had a lot to be frustrated about today as Chelsea totally dominated the match but couldn’t finish. The 1-0 scoreline conveys just how wasteful the Blues were with their chances. The frustrations certainly boiled over for the Blues boss, who had a few heated exchanges with Mason, to the point that Mason had to go and make him a spectator. After the victory though Antonio Conte didn’t try to rationalize his actions, and instead showed remorse for undertaking them. “it’s right to apologize for what happened during the game. During the game, in the first half, I saw that Swansea were wasting time. I said this a few times to the fourth official. At the same time I didn’t see something change in the first half. I was frustrated for this situation,” Conte said. “I tried to tell (him) again, but then the referee took this decision. I repeat: I apologize for this. I was frustrated. For sure I made a mistake. During the game I suffer. With my players I suffer. “It’s a pity.”

Despite the win, Chelsea gained no ground on Manchester City, and remain 11 points off the top of the table. City escaped with a win over Southampton tonight, getting bailed out by a late game winning goal from Raheem Sterling. Conte also revealed just how tough it was to have to watch the match on a video screen by himself, instead of live with his team. “I suffered in the same way also in the changing room. To watch the game on the video and then to not have the possibility to communicate with your players, it’s very strange. It’s very tough for me,” Antonio Conte added.

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