Joe Cole insists Wilfred Ndidi should have been sent off for ‘terrible tackle’

Joe Cole has insisted Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi should have been sent off for his 'appalling tackle' on Chelsea player Cole Palmer.

Nicolas Jackson's smart finish after 15 minutes opened the scoring at the King Power Stadium in a dominant first half for the Blues following Enzo Maresca's return to the Foxes.

However, Palmer was left in agony eight minutes later after a high tackle from Ndidi hit his Achilles tendon.

The Nigerian midfielder was shown a yellow card, but Cole insists he was lucky to stay on the pitch.

The former Blues midfielder told TNT Sports: “That tackle, it could have hurt him there. If the VAR ever intervenes for a player's reckless act. It's a terrible tackle.

“This is a game against Leicester where they were miles away from Leicester and at the height of their frustration. He has lost his rag, he must be sent away. He almost scores the equalizer. If he plays a role in getting Leicester back into the game, I imagine Enzo Maresca will be furious.”

Peter Crouch added: “I agree with Joe. It's dangerous. That could take away his Achilles tendon and that is something we are eliminating from the game.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea fans are furious on social media as they also questioned the decision not to send off Ndidi.

One said: 'Definitely a red one? That is an Achilles-destroying challenge from Ndidi'.

'That must be red for Ndidi. That challenge can easily keep a player out of action for six months,” a second Blues fan posted on X.

A third added: 'How in the world is that not a red card for Ndidi? Disgusting challenge, but what do we actually expect from Premier League referees?'

Chelsea continued their dominance in the second half, eventually doubling their lead thanks to Enzo Fernandez's close-range header in the 75th minute.