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 escaped being shown a red card for what many described as a reckless and dangerous challenge on Chelsea’s rising star, Cole Palmer, during the Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium. According to VAR officials, the foul was deemed to “lack intensity,” leading to the Leicester City midfielder receiving only a yellow card.
The incident occurred in the first half of the match, with Palmer left writhing in pain after Ndidi’s studs landed on the back of his right ankle. Fans and pundits alike were stunned that the challenge, which could have easily caused serious injury, did not lead to a dismissal. Many had expected referee Andrew Madley, or VAR official Paul Tierney, to upgrade the yellow card to a red after reviewing the footage, but their decision to let Ndidi remain on the pitch has sparked significant outrage.
Joe Cole Criticizes the Decision
Speaking during halftime on TNT Sports, Chelsea legend Joe Cole did not hold back in his assessment of the incident. With Chelsea leading 1-0 at the break thanks to Nicolas Jackson’s goal, Cole accused Ndidi of deliberately targeting Palmer with what he described as an “old-fashioned reducer.”
Analyzing the tackle, Cole said:
“Watch where the ball is and then watch where Ndidi’s right foot is. The ball is there, bang, I’m gonna do ya, and then he has tried to swipe the ball with his left foot. Leicester were miles off it in this game, and at the height of their frustration, Ndidi lost his rag. He should have been sent off.”
Cole also expressed frustration over the potential implications of the decision, adding:
“He nearly scores the equalizer later. If he plays any part in Leicester getting back into the game, I can imagine [Chelsea manager] Enzo Maresca will be furious.”
VAR’s Controversial Explanation
During the broadcast, TNT Sports host Lynsey Hipgrave shared a statement from the Premier League Match Centre explaining why VAR did not recommend a red card. The officials argued that the short distance between Ndidi and Palmer during the lunge, combined with their assessment that the challenge “lacked intensity,” meant a yellow card was deemed sufficient. Joe Cole reacted by shaking his head in disbelief, visibly unimpressed with the explanation.
Fan Outrage on Social Media
Chelsea fans were quick to express their anger over the decision, taking to social media to criticize the officials. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Two red card incidents on Palmer this season now that are just yellows. The Premier League is not protecting its best players. Don’t deny the next generation of kids the Cole Palmer celebration. Do the right thing now @FA_PGMOL.”
Another fumed:
“Only VAR clowns could look at this challenge on Cole Palmer and not see a stone-cold red for Ndidi. Unbelievable.”
The explanation provided by VAR only fueled the frustration. A supporter sarcastically questioned:
“Does ‘lacks intensity’ mean ‘he ALMOST snapped Palmer’s Achilles but didn’t, so it’s fine’?”
Another commented:
That could’ve ended Palmer’s season. And Ndidi still had the chance to score the equalizer. VAR is a disgrace.”
A Pattern of Questionable Decisions
This is not the first time this season that Cole Palmer has been on the receiving end of a dangerous challenge that did not result in a red card. Just before the November international break, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez made a similarly aggressive tackle on Palmer, which also went unpunished beyond a yellow card. The repeated lack of action in such cases has left Chelsea fans and analysts questioning whether the league is doing enough to protect players from dangerous play.
Calls for Greater Accountability
The Ndidi-Palmer incident has reignited calls for more consistency and accountability in officiating. Critics argue that decisions like these undermine the integrity of the game and leave players vulnerable to unnecessary risks. While Chelsea managed to secure victory in this match, the decision not to send off Ndidi has overshadowed the result, sparking debates about the standards of refereeing and the role of VAR in ensuring fairness and player safety.
