Alejandro Garnacho criticised for incident in stands just seven minutes into Chelsea vs Fulham game

Alejandro Garnacho was one of the big talking points during Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Fulham after cameras spotted what he was doing in the opening stages.

The Argentine forward was in attendance at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon ahead of his proposed move to Chelsea from Manchester United.

Garnacho is said to have undergone a medical on Friday after a fee of around £40 million was agreed between Chelsea and United. He has reportedly signed a contract until 2032.

The 21-year-old has turned down moves to Italy, Saudi Arabia and Germany, as well as other Premier League clubs, in favour of a proposed switch to the Club World Cup champions.

Although he was not officially unveiled before kick-off, Garnacho was sat in the stands for their clash against Fulham. Some fans, meanwhile, were left unimpressed by an incident in the first half.

Garnacho was in the stands for Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge. Image credit: GettyGarnacho was in the stands for Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge. Image credit: Getty

Garnacho was in the stands for Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge. Image credit: Getty

As you can see from the image below, cameras spotted Garnacho scrolling on a phone as his new teammates tried to find an opener against Marco Silva’s side.

Manchester United fan and YouTube personality Mark Goldbridge commented on the moment, saying: “Chelsea game on in front of him and he’s sat tapping on his phone. So glad Garnacho is gone.”

Here’s how others reacted to the incident.

One wrote: “This guy already making me angry scrolling on his phone instead of watching the game,” while another commented: “First view of Garnacho and he’s on his phone and not watching the match…”

A third said: “Garnacho is such a funny lad. You are about to sign for a club, you are invited to watch them play but instead you’re on your phone. That’s your first impression to the fans on tv. You can’t put phone down for 45 mins and watch your new team mates lol.”

A fourth wrote: “Garnacho has just signed for Chelsea and he’s sitting on the bench looking at his phone. Not even watching the game which shows you everything you need to know about his attitude. If I was a manager I wouldn’t allow players to have their phones with them while the game is on.”

A fifth added: “Garnacho on his phone during the game. And so the complaining begins…”

Former Chelsea midfielder sends warning to Alejandro Garnacho

Joe Cole, who made over 200 appearances for Chelsea between 2003 and 2010, says Garnacho must “knuckle down” if he is to succeed under Enzo Maresca.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Cole began: “‘He has moments where he looks sensational and looks outstanding. We see Manchester United probably isn’t a great environment for a young player at the moment. We’ve seen players like McTominay leave and thrive.

“There’s levels to go up for Garnacho. I think it’s a good price for Chelsea. There are question marks on the lad. I don’t know him, but the ins and outs and the things that come out from his camp and how he’s handled being dropped at Manchester United. I think that needs to improve.”

Cole added: “If he wants to knuckle down and become a top player that he can become, he needs to come to a good environment, which I think Chelsea is and grow from there. But there’s lots of competition for those wide positions.”