Hazard Demands Protection From Referees

By Max Wise

Eden Hazard has demanded for protection from referees, having been at the receiving end of some cruel challenges from opposition players this season.

The Chelsea and Belgium talisman claims opponents have made him a target and impede him at the slightest opportunity.

Hazard returned to action for the Blues last weekend against Crystal Palace after sitting out of their previous three games due to a back injury.

"I am not happy about it [being targeted by opponents] but it's part of football. The referee tries to do his job and I try to do mine."

"I guess when I am on the floor I can win free-kicks so every free-kick with Chelsea is a chance to score more goals."

"For me that would be better but for the referee, it's hard to show a yellow card in the first minute. Everywhere it is the same for me," Hazard said."

"We have a lot of physios at Chelsea, so I just start with more treatment."

Hazard has seven goals and four assists from ten premier league goals this season.

Hazard joined Chelsea from French side Lille in the summer of 2012, and has gone on to win two Premier League titles, the Europa League, one League Cup and an FA Cup.