REECE JAMES looked visibly annoyed after Hakim Ziyech pulled rank to take a late free-kick against Dinamo Zagreb.
But the winger’s set-piece effort was nothing short of dismal as Chelsea crashed to a disastrous 1-0 defeat in Croatia.
Reece James was left gobsmacked as Hakim Ziyech refused to let him take a free-kick
The Blues were all at sea in their Champions League group stage opener as Mislav Orsic’s 13th minute goal secured the result.
Chelsea struggled for composure and looked to lack leadership in the second half after captain Cesar Azpilicueta was subbed off.
But the lack of authority really showed in the dying moments when Chelsea picked up a free-kick in a dangerous spot outside the Zagreb box.
Ziyech, James and Mason Mount all stood over the ball as the hosts prepared their wall.
Just moments before, flop forward Ziyech had already sent a free-kick crashing into his opponents.
And fans were expecting James to finally get a crack at sending one towards goal.
However, Ziyech incredibly refused to stand down.
Camera footage showed the Moroccan shrugging his shoulders and failing to engage directly as James questioned why he wasn’t being allowed to take the free-kick.
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The England right-back could be seen waving his hands in frustration as stubborn Ziyech dug his heels in.
And it ended with James smiling in frustration as he turned to Mount with an exasperated look.
Predictably, Ziyech’s free-kick was as poor as his last as the ball hit the wall yet again.
Indeed, his 45 minute cameo was as bad a performance in a Chelsea shirt that fans could remember.
And supporters took to Twitter to express their anger at Ziyech’s refusal to let James take the late free-kick.
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One said: “Ziyech is so toxic, don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile in a Chelsea shirt, he should have gone in the summer.”
Another wrote: “What a pathetic loss. I hate Ziyech. Did he somehow alpha James for that second free kick? What an embarrassment.”
One declared: “Whoever is the captain should have demanded Reece James take that free-kick. Ziyech can go f**k himself.”
Another asked: “Why’s James letting Ziyech boss him out a set-piece like that?”
One added: “Nah Ziyech swore he’d score that free-kick. The lies he told James.”
