Wayne Bridge recalls intense training fight between Andriy Shevchenko and Tal Ben Haim at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge

Wayne Bridge, the former Chelsea defender, has opened up about an unforgettable fight he witnessed during his time at Stamford Bridge.

The incident involved two of his former teammates, Andriy Shevchenko and Tal Ben Haim, and Bridge described it as nothing short of “unbelievable.”

The Tension Between Shevchenko and Ben Haim

Bridge, who was part of the Chelsea squad between 2003 and 2009, shared his recollection of a heated altercation that happened during a training session.

The situation escalated when Ben Haim, known for his tough approach on the pitch, clashed with the Ukrainian striker, Shevchenko.

According to Bridge, the conflict had been brewing for a while, with a few earlier incidents between the two.

“Tal loved to smash people,” Bridge explained during an appearance on The Dressing Room podcast, hosted by Joe Cole and Carlton Cole.

He detailed how things reached a boiling point after Shevchenko gave Ben Haim a warning.

Despite that, the two ended up face-to-face once again, and what followed was a combination of punches that Bridge described as “unbelievable.”

A Quick and Intense Resolution

Bridge didn’t hold back as he recounted the sheer intensity of the altercation.

“It was something like a jab, cross, hook, cross.

Bang, bang, bang, bang! Game over,” he said. According to Bridge, the fight was over almost as quickly as it had begun.

The aftermath saw Ben Haim, a tough character himself, forced to swallow his pride and avoid Shevchenko going forward.

The Context of Their Careers at Chelsea

Shevchenko, who had arrived at Chelsea in 2006 with an enormous reputation after winning the Ballon d’Or with AC Milan, didn’t quite meet the high expectations during his time at Stamford Bridge.

In his two years at the club, he scored just 22 goals in 77 appearances. He eventually returned to Milan in 2008.

Ben Haim’s Chelsea career was also brief. He played just one season at the club, featuring in 23 matches, before making a move to Manchester City in 2008.

Though both players had their struggles in the Premier League, this particular altercation between them remains a memorable moment in Bridge’s time at Chelsea.

A Lasting Impression in the Chelsea Dressing Room

While neither Shevchenko nor Ben Haim left a lasting legacy through their footballing performances, the fight between them certainly did.

Bridge’s vivid recollection highlights how, at times, tensions and personalities can clash even among professional athletes.

For Bridge, it was just another day in the chaotic world of football, where even the fiercest rivals can have their differences settled with a bit of old-fashioned boxing.