Willian has defended the actions of Chelsea coach Marco Ianni which infuriated Jose Mourinho and precipitated a melee on the touchline following Ross Barkley's stoppage-time equaliser against Manchester United. 'He did that [celebration] because in the last minute we scored a goal and we needed this goal. 'He apologised to me, I accept his apologies, I think he deserves a second chance, I don't think he deserves to be sacked. Barkley tucking home on the rebound at the death to ensure Saturday's clash finished 2-2Willian believes Ianni's reaction to their late goal was down to 'passion' and 'emotion'WHO IS MARCO IANNI? The Football Association however are set to hit Ianni, an assistant coach at Chelsea, with a hefty fine as well as a ban for encroachment of the technical area.

Source: Daily Mail October 23, 2018 14:46 UTC