Chelsea supporters voiced their frustration with star man Cole Palmer after noticing his interaction with Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo following an early substitution at Old Trafford.
Saturday’s clash between United and Chelsea was billed as one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League weekend, with both sides chasing Champions League qualification. But Enzo Maresca’s team suffered a disastrous start. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was sent off inside five minutes, and Bruno Fernandes put United ahead shortly after.
Things went from bad to worse for the visitors when Palmer — Chelsea’s standout performer in recent months — was forced off in the 21st minute. Cameras caught the England international throwing something to the ground in frustration as he made his way off, replaced by Andrey Santos.
What happened next divided fans. Once he’d cooled down, Palmer was seen chatting with his England teammate Mainoo on the touchline. Some supporters on social media claimed he appeared to mention a groin problem, with one writing on X: “I believe Palmer told Mainoo he has a groin injury from reading lips and he pointed to his groin area.” Another added: “Cole Palmer has ice on his groin. His sub was injury related.”
But not everyone took it sympathetically. A section of Chelsea fans felt Palmer’s demeanor was inappropriate given the high-stakes nature of the game. One supporter commented: “I know they’re mates, but Palmer’s little smirk with Mainoo as he walks off feels like a slap in the face to those who’ve travelled up there today.”
With the Blues already under pressure in their bid for a top-four finish, the sight of Palmer coming off injured — and the mixed reactions that followed — has only added to the uncertainty surrounding Maresca’s side.
