Monday 12 November 2018 13:36, UK
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger says the decision to book him for his reaction to a collision with Everton's Bernard was "a joke".
Both players were shown a yellow card after Rudiger went down following a coming together with the Everton winger during the 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.
The 5ft 3in Bernard motioned his head towards the 6ft 3in Rudiger, who went down clutching his face.
Rudiger is adamant he was head-butted and says his booking was unjust.
He said: "It's annoying because I don't even tackle someone, do something and I get booked for being head-butted. Sorry, but that's a joke.
"He [Bernard] was diving and I told him to stand up. Then he came with a lot of speed and hit me with his forehead, so for me to get a yellow card - to me that's a joke.
"The referee didn't see anything. Perhaps it's the fourth official who was outside [the pitch], maybe he said something to him [Friend] that I had provoked [Bernard] or something, but I just said, 'Stand up'.
"If there is VAR in England, then Bernard has a problem. He would be sent off."
Everton boss Marco Silva dismissed the incident at his post-match media conference.
Silva said: "Bernard? I didn't see, but you think Bernard with his size can do something? I didn't see, but I don't believe."
