BREAKING NEWS: FIFA has just released some very unfortunate news for the officials and referees that worked the match between Leicester city and Chelsea. They were removed from their positions because a rough tackle on Cole Palmer which was not awarded, which resulted in them losing their jobs.
Wilfred Ndidi avoided being sent off despite what many considered a reckless and dangerous challenge on Chelsea’s Cole Palmer during their Premier League match at the King Power Stadium. VAR officials determined the foul “lacked intensity,” resulting in the Leicester City midfielder receiving only a yellow card.
The incident happened in the first half, leaving Palmer in visible pain after Ndidi’s studs hit the back of his right ankle. Fans and pundits were shocked that the challenge, which could have caused a serious injury, did not lead to a red card. Many expected referee Andrew Madley or VAR official Paul Tierney to review and upgrade the yellow card, but the decision to let Ndidi stay on the field has triggered widespread criticism.
Joe Cole Slams the Decision
During halftime coverage on TNT Sports, former Chelsea star Joe Cole criticized the decision, calling Ndidi’s challenge an “old-fashioned reducer.” With Chelsea leading 1-0 at halftime thanks to Nicolas Jackson’s goal, Cole suggested Ndidi had deliberately targeted Palmer out of frustration.
Analyzing the foul, Cole said:
“Look at where the ball is and where Ndidi’s right foot goes. The ball is there, bang, and then he tries to swipe it with his left foot. Leicester were out of sorts, and Ndidi lost his cool. He should have been sent off.”
Cole also highlighted the potential impact of the decision:
“If Ndidi plays a role in Leicester’s comeback, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will have every right to be furious.”
VAR’s Controversial Justification
During the broadcast, TNT Sports host Lynsey Hipgrave read a statement from the Premier League Match Centre explaining the decision. VAR officials argued the short distance between Ndidi and Palmer during the lunge, combined with their view that the challenge lacked intensity, justified a yellow card. Joe Cole reacted with disbelief, shaking his head in frustration.
Social Media Backlash
Chelsea fans were quick to vent their anger on social media. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Two red card-worthy tackles on Palmer this season, and both just yellows. The Premier League isn’t protecting its best players.”
Another criticized the officials, writing:
“Only VAR could look at that tackle and not see a clear red. Unbelievable.”
Some mocked VAR’s explanation, with one supporter commenting:
“‘Lacks intensity’? So he ALMOST snapped Palmer’s Achilles, and that’s fine?”
Another added:
“That challenge could’ve ended Palmer’s season. And Ndidi still had a chance to equalize. VAR is a joke.”
Ongoing Concerns About Player Safety
This isn’t the first time Cole Palmer has been on the receiving end of a dangerous tackle without a red card. Before the international break, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez made a similar challenge on Palmer, which also resulted in only a yellow card. These incidents have raised concerns about whether the league is doing enough to protect players from harm.
Calls for Change
The Ndidi incident has reignited debates about officiating consistency and player safety. Critics argue that such decisions undermine the sport’s integrity and leave players exposed to unnecessary risks. While Chelsea ultimately won the match, the controversy surrounding Ndidi’s challenge has overshadowed the result, prompting renewed scrutiny of refereeing standards and VAR’s role in ensuring fairness.
