Hungry, Antonio?
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger appeared to bite team-mate Reece James’ head while celebrating N’Golo Kante’s goal against Leicester on Saturday.
The German reacted in bizarre fashion to Kante’s spectacular strike, with the former Leicester man putting the West London outfit 2-0 up against his former employers at the King Power Stadium.
Rudiger put the visitors in front with a smart header in the 14th minute, before Thomas Tuchel’s side scored their second just before the half hour mark.
While the former Roma man’s celebration for his own goal was reasonably tame, his reaction to Kante’s finish was incredibly strange, as footage appeared to show him looking to take a chunk out of James’ hair.
Chelsea went on to secure a comfortable 3-0 win against Brendan Rodgers’ side, meaning they have now gone nine games unbeaten, winning eight of those matches.
It is not the first time that the defender has been involved in a ‘biting’ incident, either.
During Germany’s tie against France at Euro 2020, Rudiger was caught having a little nibble on Paul Pogba’s back.
While it did not rank up there with Luis Suarez implanting his dentures on Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup in 2014, there was enough nip on Pogba’s shoulder to make him yelp out.
Pogba ended up having a free kick given against him for pulling Rudiger’s arm in frustration. He was, understandably, incredulous that the incident was not picked up.
What's happened there between Rudiger and Pogba?! 🧐#FRAGER | #ITVFootball | #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/Oi2Mm7RV7z
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 15, 2021
Despite his impressive start to the season, Rudiger’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain, with the player in the final year of his contract.
It is thought that German giants Bayern Munich are said to be interested in signing the centre-back should he fail to agree a contract extension at Stamford Bridge.
Related links:
- Roy Keane bemused by “child-like” Rudiger’s bite on Pogba
- Toni Rudiger reveals Daniel Amartey ‘disrespect’ fuelled Chelsea players against Leicester
- Ben Chilwell pokes fun at Rudiger-Kepa bust-up with pretend punch on Kurt Zouma
