Chelsea have moved quickly to refute suggestions they are attempting to sabotage Barcelona's UEFA Champions League visit by pouring sand on the Stamford Bridge turf.
The Barclays Premiership champions insist the pitch is undergoing "routine maintenance" aimed at improving the drainage system.
A spokesperson for Chelsea explained: "Whilst the Chelsea players are away representing their national teams, an 18-day break between home fixtures has allowed our ground staff to carry out routine maintenance work on the Stamford Bridge pitch."