Tensions boiled over following Chelsea’s recent Champions League encounter, as Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor launched a scathing attack on Facundo Buonanotte, accusing the young Argentine of diving to provoke a red card incident that changed the momentum of the match.
Taylor, visibly furious during post-match interviews, didn’t hold back his criticism. He reportedly labeled Buonanotte’s actions as “a disgrace to Dutch football” and went even further, mocking Chelsea’s players by suggesting they should switch to women’s football instead. His harsh remarks instantly sparked outrage among fans and pundits alike, igniting a wave of debate across social media.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when Buonanotte delivered a sharp and unforgettable response that left Taylor completely stunned. In front of reporters, the Chelsea midfielder calmly replied with ten cutting words that quickly went viral:
“If respect was football, you’d still be on the bench.”
The quote spread rapidly online, with supporters praising Buonanotte’s composure and wit in handling the insult. Many commended the Argentine for responding with class rather than aggression, turning what could have been an ugly feud into a moment of poetic retaliation.
Inside the Chelsea camp, teammates were said to have rallied behind Buonanotte, applauding the 20-year-old’s maturity in standing up for himself and the club. Meanwhile, Taylor has faced mounting criticism for his comments, with calls for Ajax to address the unsportsmanlike behavior.
The incident has added new intensity to the growing rivalry between Chelsea and Ajax — and if this exchange is anything to go by, the next time these two sides meet, it will be more than just a battle on the pitch.
