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Hiddink backs Chelsea fans taking offence to Hazard-Di Maria shirt-swap

Eden Hazard was booed and jeered for swapping shirts with Angel Di Maria at half-time on Wednesday night.

The Chelsea playmaker approached the Paris Saint-Germain star to trade playing shirts with the Champions League Round of 16 tie firmly in the balance at Stamford Bridge, which attracted ire from the Blues faithful.

Chelsea supporters could again be hard when Hazard was substituted for Oscar in the second half as the Londoners lost 2-1 to then French giants, eliminating them from Europe with a 4-2 aggregate defeat.

Regarding the incident, Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink admitted it was something that the Blues fans had a right to be irate with.

"I'm aware. It should not be done. But in some countries it's usual that you do it [at half-time] and not after the game," he said.

"Maybe they're both used to doing that. Don't overvalue this issue."

Before adding: "Yes, they had the right to do what they think. You can express always your feelings."

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Andrew Slevison
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