CWC final ends in chaos as Luis Enrique grabs Joao Pedro by throat
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique sparked post-match chaos at the Club World Cup final after grabbing Chelsea forward Joao Pedro by the throat in a fiery on-pitch confrontation.
The incident unfolded moments after Chelsea sealed a stunning 3-0 win over the Champions League holders at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The victory, powered by a Cole Palmer brace and a Pedro goal, earned the Blues their second trophy of the 2024/25 campaign.
However, celebrations were momentarily overshadowed by an ugly melee at full-time.
Replays captured Enrique appearing to lunge at Pedro and make contact with the Brazilian’s throat as tensions escalated between both sets of players.
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was also involved in the heated clash, which left Pedro on the ground.
Speaking post-match, Enrique attempted to downplay his actions. “My intention was clear. I ran over to separate the players. I didn’t want the situation to get any worse,” he claimed.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who was seen restraining Donnarumma during the fracas, admitted he was unclear about the origins of the altercation.
“After the final whistle, I approached Luis to talk to him and I saw that something was going on. I don’t know what happened, really,” Maresca told reporters.
PSG’s frustrations boiled over late in the second half, as Joao Neves was sent off after a VAR check confirmed he pulled Marc Cucurella’s hair off the ball.
Despite the drama, Chelsea’s squad pushed ahead with celebrations, donning “World Champions 25” shirts and saluting the supporters in attendance.
Palmer’s man-of-the-match performance, two goals and an assist proved decisive against a PSG side that entered the final as heavy favourites.
The fallout from the chaotic conclusion could lead to further disciplinary action, with FIFA likely to review footage of the post-match melee.
