Cesc Fabregas has disclosed a particular game in his illustrious career where he was advised to restrain from celebrating due to concerns over potential disturbances among supporters.
Before retiring in 2023, Fabregas had an impressive tenure with top clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Monaco.
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Widely acclaimed as one of his era’s most exceptional midfielders, Fabregas’s impeccable displays on the field led to him amassing more than 125 goals throughout his career.
Nevertheless, the current Como assistant manager shared an incident from a game where, despite warnings, he chose to celebrate his success on the field.
In a session on the Planet Premier League podcast, Fabregas, alongside ex-QPR defender Nedum Onuoha, reminisced about their encounter during a heated west London derby.
Onuoha jokingly replied: ‘I don’t remember Cesc! I’ve got a really bad memory’.
Fabregas responded: ‘You were the one that I nutmegged when I shot! They told me, if you score don’t celebrate. But it was such a big goal that I couldn’t hold it.
He finished by saying: ‘I just had to go in the corner and celebrate in front of the fans!’.
The game ended 1-0 with Fabregas’ 88th-minute strike proving decisive in the match at Loftus Road.
As Fabregas explained, it was a big goal for Chelsea as it helped them on their way to winning the 2013-14 Premier League title.
But, during the goal celebrations, Fabregas’ team-mate Branislav Ivanovic was hit on the head by a lighter thrown by a fan from the home supporters.
At-the-time QPR boss Chris Ramsey condemned the behaviour. ‘We don’t want any objects thrown on the pitch,’ he said. ‘Hostilities between fans can go too far. If that’s the case, we’ll encourage them not to come back.’
However, Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho refused to be drawn into the controversy. ‘The game was correct. Correct on the pitch, correct in the stands. Hopefully correct outside,’ he said.
‘If somebody throws a pound, put the pound in your pocket and go. If it’s a chocolate, eat it. No problem.
‘It’s not easy, because emotionally it’s a big game for them and us. The referee also helped, a very stable man who solves, not creates, problems in the game.’
