Wilfred Ndidi should have been shown a red card for a foul on Cole Palmer, English football's refereeing body has admitted.
The Leicester City midfielder was only cautioned after his high tackle on Palmer hit the Chelsea star's Achilles tendon.
The incident was reviewed by VAR, but the decision was made to uphold Andrew Madley's call on the pitch.
However, PGMOL boss Howard Webb has admitted Ndidi was lucky to escape a sack.
“We have looked at this collectively, among the officials, talked about it, and we would prefer this to be dealt with with a red card,” Webb saddened. “We have to protect player safety.”
Fortunately for the referees, the decision did not prove costly as Palmer was able to walk away from the incident and Chelsea withstood a late fightback from the Foxes to triumph 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.
Former Chelsea star Joe Cole responded to the challenge immediately after the match last month, insisting Ndidi should have been sent off for his 'terrible tackle'.
“That tackle, that could have hurt him,” he told TNT Sports. 'If VAR ever intervenes in recklessly endangering a player. 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.”
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?'
Comments