Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has played down his heated touchline confrontation with Adama Traore following an unexpected on-air reunion during a television interview.
Cucurella was speaking to Catalan broadcaster 3Cat about the late flashpoint in Chelsea’s Premier League clash against West Ham United when Traore appeared live on the same video call. The surprise moment came shortly after Cucurella jokingly suggested he might hesitate to greet the winger if they met off the pitch.
Flashpoint at Stamford Bridge
Tempers flared late in the match at Stamford Bridge when Cucurella and Traore wrestled for possession near the touchline. Traore eventually threw Cucurella to the ground, prompting Chelsea forward Joao Pedro to intervene and confront the West Ham winger.
The situation quickly escalated into a mass confrontation involving several players. Once order was restored, West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo was shown a red card for grabbing Joao Pedro around the neck.
Reflecting on the incident, Cucurella admitted he played a role in provoking the altercation.
“It was towards the end of the match. I put my body in and we wrestled,” he explained.
“When I stood up, I realised how close I was to him and thought I’d try to stir things up a bit. Then he grabbed me, threw me, and everything exploded. These things happen.”
Cucurella added humorously:
“Joao Pedro saved my life, honestly. If I were Joao, I would have run the other way.”
Players Defuse Tension Live on Air
The tone shifted when show host Gerard Moreno invited Traore into the conversation. The West Ham winger was quick to dismiss any suggestion of lingering animosity.
“It was just the heat of the moment,” Traore said. “I know he’s a good guy. It wasn’t personal and it stays on the pitch. I didn’t mean to hurt him — I just wanted to speak to the linesman.”
Cucurella responded light-heartedly, saying:
“Now I’m calm because there’s a screen between us.”
Both players share a long-standing connection, having come through Barcelona’s La Masia academy and later featuring together in the Spanish national setup in November 2021.
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