Ranieri thanks Hiddink after Chelsea fightback

Guus Hiddink revealed he received a telephone call from Claudio Ranieri soon after Chelsea’s sensational comeback against Tottenham sealed Leicester’s title triumph.

Spurs, needing to win at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1990 in order to keep their title hopes alive, were 2-0 up at half-time.

But Gary Cahill pulled a goal back and, with the home fans baying for their team to crush their despised rivals’ title challenge, the Bridge erupted when Eden Hazard netted a late equaliser.

And Leicester’s former Blues boss Ranieri, who remains a popular figure at Chelsea, was quick to thank Hiddink.

The interim Chelsea manager said: “I got a call from Claudio Ranieri and he thanked us, especially for the second half. I congratulated him on being champion. His voice was trembling.”

Hiddink was keen to play down the angry scenes that erupted near the tunnel after the final whistle.

Players, managers and coaching staff from both teams were involved in a melee, and there were a number of controversial incidents during the match itself, including when Tottenham’s Moussa Dembele appeared to gouge Diego Costa’s eyes.

Hiddink said: “There was of course high emotion and a bit of verbal animosity. I tried to come between people and protect a bit and everyone was pushing around.

“There is a rivalry between two London clubs which makes it very hot. It was an emotional game.”

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino also played down the incidents and, like Hiddink, said he would review them on video.