‘Dangerous’ tackle on Cole Palmer leaves ex-Premier League star shocked as VAR fails to act
Ex-Premier League striker Darren Bent could not believe Wilfred Ndidi escaped a red card in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Leicester City. The Leicester midfielder was shown a yellow card in the first half for a heavy challenge on Cole Palmer but many believed it was a lucky escape for the Nigeria international. The Leicester midfielder was shown a yellow card for his foul on Palmer GettyJackson opened the scoring for the visiting side just 15 minutes into the match[/caption] Replays showed he caught the Blues star on his Achilles with his studs before the incident was checked by VAR, who saw no issue with the on-field decision and did not order a review. It is understood VAR deemed that Ndidi came from a short distance and the challenge lacked intensity. Former England star Darren Bent disagreed though, and fumed at the lack of action on commentary for talkSPORT, calling the decision “awful”. He added that, “there’s intent there. The ball is nowhere to be seen. “I’m a little bit surprised they’re not going over to check it. Is it endangering an opponent? Yes. The fact the referee isn’t checking is a bit naughty. He’s got away with one.” Bent continued: “It’s blatant. He’s extremely lucky. It’s dangerous – and the fact they haven’t checked it is bizarre.” Ndidi was one of three Foxes players cautioned by Andy Madley during the first 45 minutes, with Boubakary Soumare and Oliver Skipp both going into the book for fouls of their own. Heading into the break, it was Nicolas Jackson’s 15th minute strike that remained the difference between the two sides. The second half saw Leicester’s shout for a penalty after Wesley Fofana tripped Stephy Mavididi in the box be overturned before Enzo Fernandez doubled the visitor’s lead with a header. Mads Hermansen’s initial save knocked the goal straight into the Argentinian’s direction and allowed the skipper to seal all three points for Chelsea on the road. Leicester’s luck soon turned however, as late into stoppage time Jordan Ayew coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez after Bobby De Cordova-Reid was fouled by Romeo Lavia to give the Foxes a late consolation. Fernandez assisted Jackson’s early opener before scoring himself late in the second half to secure all three points for Chelsea on the roadGetty AFPFrench-born Ghanaian striker Jordan Ayew converted from the spot to award Leicester a late consolation goal[/caption] Chelsea travel to Germany midweek for a Europa Conference League clash with Bundesliga side Heidenheim. The Blues are currently top of the standings in the Conference League, having maintained a perfect start to the campaign with three wins in three. They host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge next weekend and currently sit third in the Premier League table. Match Stats
Ex-Premier League striker Darren Bent could not believe Wilfred Ndidi escaped a red card in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Leicester City.
The Leicester midfielder was shown a yellow card in the first half for a heavy challenge on Cole Palmer but many believed it was a lucky escape for the Nigeria international.
Replays showed he caught the Blues star on his Achilles with his studs before the incident was checked by VAR, who saw no issue with the on-field decision and did not order a review.
It is understood VAR deemed that Ndidi came from a short distance and the challenge lacked intensity.
Former England star Darren Bent disagreed though, and fumed at the lack of action on commentary for talkSPORT, calling the decision “awful”. He added that, “there’s intent there. The ball is nowhere to be seen.
“I’m a little bit surprised they’re not going over to check it. Is it endangering an opponent? Yes. The fact the referee isn’t checking is a bit naughty. He’s got away with one.”
Bent continued: “It’s blatant. He’s extremely lucky. It’s dangerous – and the fact they haven’t checked it is bizarre.”
Ndidi was one of three Foxes players cautioned by Andy Madley during the first 45 minutes, with Boubakary Soumare and Oliver Skipp both going into the book for fouls of their own.
Heading into the break, it was Nicolas Jackson’s 15th minute strike that remained the difference between the two sides.
The second half saw Leicester’s shout for a penalty after Wesley Fofana tripped Stephy Mavididi in the box be overturned before Enzo Fernandez doubled the visitor’s lead with a header.
Mads Hermansen’s initial save knocked the goal straight into the Argentinian’s direction and allowed the skipper to seal all three points for Chelsea on the road.
Leicester’s luck soon turned however, as late into stoppage time Jordan Ayew coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez after Bobby De Cordova-Reid was fouled by Romeo Lavia to give the Foxes a late consolation.
Chelsea travel to Germany midweek for a Europa Conference League clash with Bundesliga side Heidenheim.
The Blues are currently top of the standings in the Conference League, having maintained a perfect start to the campaign with three wins in three.
They host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge next weekend and currently sit third in the Premier League table.
