Yahoo Sport 
Chelsea FC star Antonio Rudiger: We had to ‘punish’ Leicester for Daniel Amartey ‘disrespect’
Chelsea were out for revenge during last night’s win over Leicester City after Daniel Amartey ‘disrespected’ the club, Antonio Rudiger has revealed.
Thomas Tuchel’s side took a huge step towards Champions League qualification in last night’s 2-1 win against the Foxes.
It was payback for Saturday’s FA Cup Final defeat to their top four rivals. But Rudiger confirmed Chelsea’s players were especially motivated after seeing a video on social media of Amartey throwing the club pennant during celebrations at Wembley.
Watch: Thomas Tuchel insists Chelsea did not use Daniel Amartey incident as motivation
While Tuchel tried to play down the incident, Rudiger said: “We wanted to show to them because top four was on the line and unfortunately some people from them don’t know how to celebrate. We had to punish them for this.
“After we lost the final we talked with each other, that it’s a massive game coming up and we are on it. Some people from them gave us a bit more motivation.
“Congratulations to them, they won, celebrate and everything. But don’t disrespect club history. This is a bit bigger than you.”
Both sets of players were involved in a touchline melee last night as tensions rose, with Amartey appearing to be targeted by some.
Tuchel said he tried to avoid turning the game into a revenge mission.
“I know there was an incident, but I didn’t talk about it before the match or in any meetings,” he said. “I don’t do this, but I think the players were well aware.
“I’m not into these things too much because it can sometimes give you too much energy, too much a feeling for revenge. I don’t like this at all.
“We prepared for a super important match and did what we do, how we play football. We wanted to do it at the highest level possible and this is what we did. We needed the intensity and hunger that make us a difficult team to play. There’s nothing more I can say about it.”
Rudiger put Chelsea in front just after half-time and Jorginho doubled their lead from the penalty spot.
Kelechi Iheanacho pulled one back for Leicester to set up a tense finish but the Blues held out.
Victory saw Chelsea move up to third, meaning they go into the final game of the season against Aston Villa knowing three points will guarantee Champions League qualification.
Liverpool will go ahead of Leicester on goal difference if they beat Burnley tonight.
Sunday’s trip to Villa Park is still a critical for Chelsea and Tuchel faces a major decision over N’Golo Kante, who asked to be substituted in the first-half due to a hamstring issue.
The France international feared injury if he stayed on – and with the Champions League final coming up a week on Saturday, it could represent a serious risk if he is involved against Villa.
Tuchel said: “I hope we have a chance to let him play on Sunday because we are a different team with him and without him.
“I am happy everything went well and I think that N’Golo was hopefully not too bad.
“N’Golo is not injured. He told me he went out before an injury. He felt his hamstrings and was worried that he would get injured if he continued to play.”
Watch: Core workout
Read More
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame
