Noni Madueke explains controversial decision to walk straight down tunnel after being hooked for Chelsea against Arsenal as he reveals unusual post-match ritual

The England international was taken off by Enzo Maresca and replaced by Mykhailo Mudryk midway through the second half of the Premier League clash, with Chelsea going on to score two minutes later as the game finished 1-1.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Madueke was seen walking down the tunnel immediately after he came off, sparking claims of a furious response at being taken off, with Rio Ferdinand calling for him to be given a significant fine despite Maresca downplaying the incident.

  WHAT MADUEKE SAID

  Madueke, 22, has now explained why he did not take a spot on the bench as he simply did what he always does after coming off.

  He told reporters: “I literally went down the tunnel to go to the toilet and I came back 30 seconds later. If you watch a lot of games when I come off, I always going straight down the tunnel to go to the toilet. It is nothing major at all.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MADUEKE?

  The Chelsea attacker made his third appearance for England as they beat Greece 3-0 this week, collecting an early assist, and he will hope to add another cap to his name when they face Ireland next.