Chelsea defender
Branislav Ivanovic has
defended teammate
Eden Hazard who
was jeered off the
pitch by a small
section of fans in
Wednesday's last-16
Champions League
defeat to French
champions Paris St
Germain.
Ivanovic said after the game that Hazard,
whose halftime shirt swap with PSG's Angel
Di Maria irked Chelsea's fans, was fully
committed to the club.
Interim manager Guus Hiddink, who
revealed that Hazard had played despite a
hip injury, took the view in his post-match
comments that Chelsea fans had the right to
give vent to their feelings.
"They have the right to boo whatever they
think," he told reporters.
"I didn't see (the shirt swap) but I am not
saying I am unaware. That would be too
easy, just to say I didn't see it. It should not
be done. In some countries it's usual, but
not till after the game."
Wednesday's British newspapers were
critical of Hazard, last season's Footballer of
the Year in England. The Daily Mail said: "So
much for loyalty – Eden Hazard
controversially swaps shirts with PSG's Angel
di Maria at halftime."
The Sun said: "Hazard swap shame in Blues
KO".
Ivanovic said: "It's not an excuse but people
have to think about the fact he started the
game injured. Did that show how
committed he is? Yes.
"Of course when you lose a game the fans
are not happy and they have to be like that.
But in my opinion it was one of his best
performances so far.
"He was very strong and quick. He wanted
to score and had a couple of actions where
he looked like last season."
Having netted 19 times in all competitions
last campaign, Hazard has scored just two
goals in 38 appearances so far, leading to
speculation over his future with suggestions
that he is eager for a move to PSG.
Chelsea have gone on a 13-game unbeaten
run in the Premier League under Hiddink,
but their chances of chasing down fourth-
placed Manchester City, who are 10 points
ahead with a game in hand remain remote.
Wednesday's defeat could well have been
their last Champions League game for at
least 18 months as they are unlikely to
qualify for the competition next season
through their league position.
Chelsea's only hope of any silverware this
season is by winning the FA Cup and they
visit Everton in the quarterfinals on Saturday.