Chelsea's Ben Chilwell slammed by RSPCA over 'tiger tug of war' challenge

Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has been videoed tussling with a caged tiger at a theme park with the RSPCA saying the animals "should not be marketed for public entertainment"

Posted Monday, March 28, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Ben Chilwell has been videoed tussling with a caged tiger

Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has faced criticism from the RSPCA having been seen tussling with a caged tiger.

Chilwell is believed to be in Tampa, Florida, in footage obtained by The Sun as he plays a game of tug of war with the tiger. The injured player is seen with at least three friends as they pull a rope while the tiger battles to pull them towards the cage.

Chilwell, 25, is seen grinning in Instagram footage as his group is pulled towards the cage. It is believed to have been filmed at Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida with the full-back on a break.

Animal protection society RSPCA have criticised the footage while Chelsea declined to comment on concerns that Chilwell may have further injured his knee.

The RSPCA said: “We don’t feel this activity promotes respect for these wild animals and should not be marketed for public entertainment. Zoos often state that their aim is to educate the public and have a positive influence on visitor behaviour in ways that will directly benefit conservation.

"Whilst we understand zoos which do this may feel that a ‘tug-of-war’ provides physical enrichment for big cats, there are many alternative ways of doing this.”

Chilwell recently returned to the Chelsea training pitch for the first time following surgery in November.

He is not expected to return to playing any time soon though has been snapped recently posing for fashion brand Prada.

Chelseea boss Thomas Tuchel has said on Chilwell's injury: “I said it many times. I think the biggest struggle for us in this season in this moment is the injuries of key players and long-term injuries of key players and Reecey [James] is one of the key players, and also Ben Chilwell."