Chelsea star mocks Cole Palmer with brutal message on hat-trick ball

Romeo Lavia aimed a playful dig at Cole Palmer after the Chelsea star’s incredible four-goal haul against Brighton on Saturday.

The midfielder broke Premier League records when he plundered four goals in the opening half of the 4-2 win over the Seagulls at Stamford Bridge.

It was Palmer’s third hat-trick in Chelsea blue with the former Manchester City star getting his teammates to sign the match ball after Saturday’s win.

But his teammate Lavia decided to have a bit of fun with the post-hat-trick tradition when the ball was passed his way in the dressing room.

The Belgian hilariously wrote: ‘You’re a mid player regardless’ on the match ball, sharing a picture of the moment on his social media channels.

Palmer scored 27 goals in all competitions – 22 in the league – in his first season at Chelsea last term following his £45million move from Manchester City.

Saturday’s haul takes him up to six for the season having also laid on four assists in eight appearances.

‘He scored four but he also could have scored two or three more,’ his manager Enzo Maresca said.

‘It’s important he stays hungry, ambitious and I know him from many years ago with the under-23s at City and with the first team.

‘What he was as a boy is exactly what he was three or four years ago. Goals, assists, best player of the Premier League – this doesn’t change the way he is. He’s a humble guy and for me it’s the most important thing.

‘He’s a top player and today in football young players can change quick. Cole scores goals and never changes and this is the most important thing.

‘He’s special player, he’s a simple and humble guy. He doesn’t need to tell people how good he is because you can see it clearly.’