Chelsea vs Tottenham was ‘incredible’ and FA should consider what was at stake before taking action, says Gary Cahill

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Simon Johnson3 May 2016

Gary Cahill believes the Football Association should be lenient with both Chelsea and Tottenham when they look into the ugly incidents that marred last night's 2-2 draw.

Players from both clubs are expected to come under scrutiny for their behaviour which saw referee Mark Clattenburg show 12 yellow cards, nine of them to Tottenham.

There were many unsavoury incidents off the ball too, while there was an unseemly clash involving coaches and players from both sides just before half-time and after the final whistle.

Cahill feels the nature of the occasion should be taken into account when the footage is reviewed.

When asked if he hoped the incidents to be viewed with a bit of calm by the authorities, he said: "Of course when there is that much a stake, people aren't going to roll over, it's competitive. That's the way it is. We should enjoy the game for what it was.

"Did it ever cross the line? You're asking the wrong guy because I think in games like that the passion and commitment is there from both sides. There was a lot at stake.

"We know what it takes to win the League and it is very difficult to produce performances week in, week out, to train every single day and dedicate yourself the whole season to do it.

"We knew what was at stake for them and it shows how well they have done - they don't roll over and give up the game, likewise we don't.

Chelsea vs Tottenham Player Ratings

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"I thought the game was fantastic and played at an unbelievable pace. It was the fastest game I have played in a long time. As well as the tackles were flying in, the quality was there too. I loved playing in it.

"What started it? It boiled over at times because of what's at stake, they were going for the League.

"We knew that the club (Chelsea) wanted to win this game and we know how much it means to the fans.

"We had a sense of the atmosphere in the dressing room even before the game and we were all buzzing to get out there and get going."

Cahill, who was playing against four England players that are expected to be his team-mates at Euro 2016 in Harry Kane, Kyle Walker, Danny Rose and Eric Dier, claimed both sets of players parted on good terms.

He added: "I'm sure the Chelsea fans enjoyed that, but I also have respect for Tottenham. I have a few friends in their dressing room.

"Are we still friends? Yes. They will go away feeling so disappointed that they just fell short and I can understand that.

"There was no peacemaker afterwards, it was just natural when the game was finished. There was emotion for the whole game. The atmosphere was one of the best I have been involved in for ages, it was incredible.

"The emotion was just there. It's normal to react, but when everything has settled down, when it's calm, it's finished."

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