Chelsea star booed on debut after World Cup controversy

Chelsea star booed on debut after World Cup controversyValentin Barco Booed on Chelsea Debut as World Cup Grudge Follows Him to Stamford Bridge

Valentin Barco got his first Chelsea start on Thursday and quickly discovered that a transfer does not wipe the slate clean. The Argentine midfielder, signed from Strasbourg earlier this month, was booed repeatedly during the opening stages of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town at Stamford Bridge.

It started from his first touches and carried on through the first 15 minutes. When Barco drove into the side netting from a tight angle near the away end, the reaction grew louder, whistles and jeers included. Most of it appeared to come from the travelling support, though some home fans seemed happy enough to join in.

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World Cup baggage still follows Barco

The reason is obvious. Barco has not built much goodwill in England since Argentina’s bad-tempered World Cup semi-final win over Thomas Tuchel’s side. He did not play in the match, but that hardly mattered. After Lautaro Martinez’s late winner, Barco sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate directly in front of England’s defenders. At full time, he did it again, joining the huddle and appearing to exchange words with Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham then slapped the back of Barco’s head and, briefly, it threatened to spill further before players and staff stepped in. No disciplinary action followed for either man, although several Argentina players were later punished for their part in the ugly scenes after the final defeat by Spain.

Chelsea debut turns hostile

That history clearly has not been forgotten. Stamford Bridge was meant to be a fresh start for Barco, but English supporters have long memories, especially where international grudges are concerned. If he expected indifference, he got the opposite.

Reports of the reaction around the ground pointed to the same conclusion, this was personal and it was sustained. Chelsea will not care if he can play. Barco, for his part, will need to get used to it quickly.

Argentina link already under scrutiny

He is not the only Chelsea Argentine to receive that treatment. Enzo Fernandez was also booed at Craven Cottage when Chelsea opened their Premier League season with a 3-2 win over Fulham. For Barco, the message was simple enough, England has not moved on.