John Terry defends Chelsea over Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 'babies' jibe

John Terry has jumped to the defence of his Chelsea team-mates after they were criticised for their behaviour in their Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Chelsea players were slammed after they rushed to surround referee Bjorn Kuipers following Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s foul on Oscar in the 31st minute of the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Ibrahimovic branded the Chelsea players as ‘babies’ for trying to influence the referee, but Terry insists his team-mates were simply matching the conduct shown by their opponents.

“Once they’re charging the ref, the only thing we can do is respond,” Terry said. “You can’t as a group of players let them surround the ref, trying to get our players booked.

“For me if I have to run 20, 30 yards, it doesn’t look great but when you’re standing back and seeing five or six of their players surrounding the ref, for me I think I support my team-mates.

“And once I go, four or five go with me, it doesn’t look good at all but that’s part of the game. We’ll match it if people want to mix it, that’s part of our game as well.

“You have to stick up for your team-mates. Every other side is as bad as each other. It’s part of the game.”

Credit: Michelle/Setanta Sport