Chelsea star Cole Palmer under fire as he ‘can’t even be bothered to say hello’ to desperate young fans swarming him and his girlfriend as they walk home

Cole Palmer has faced criticism on social media after a video showed him walking past young Chelsea supporters outside Stamford Bridge without stopping. The incident occurred on Saturday following Chelsea's 5-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth, where Palmer provided an assist. The 24-year-old kept his hood up and hands in his pockets as he walked away alongside his girlfriend, Olivia Holder, prompting online backlash from fans who felt he should have acknowledged the youngsters.

The controversy came shortly after Palmer announced a new long-term contract running until 2034 via a mock Twitch livestream on Saturday morning. Palmer had seven years remaining on his previous deal but agreed to improved terms, extending his commitment under manager Xabi Alonso by an additional 12 months as Chelsea climbed to sixth in the league table.