Former England international Joe Cole has criticised referee Andy Madley’s decision not to send off Wilfred Ndidi for his reckless tackle on Chelsea’s Cole Palmer during Leicester City’s 2-1 loss in Saturday’s Premier League match. Despite a VAR review, Ndidi was only shown a yellow card for the scissors like challenge.
Speaking as a guest on TNT Sports, Cole labelled the tackle “terrible” and argued it endangered Palmer. “That tackle could have seriously hurt him. If VAR is there to step in for reckless play, this was the moment. It was a terrible tackle,” Cole stated.
The former Chelsea star also suggested the challenge reflected Leicester’s frustration during the match. “Leicester were struggling, and this tackle seemed to come out of Ndidi losing his temper. He should have been sent off,” he added. Cole expressed frustration at the potential impact Ndidi could have had if he contributed to an equaliser, a scenario that would likely infuriate Leicester manager Enzo Maresca.
The match saw Chelsea secure a crucial victory, but Ndidi’s controversial tackle remains a talking point among fans and pundits alike.
Editorial
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Wilfred Ndidi’s controversial tackle on Cole Palmer has reignited the debate over VAR’s consistency in enforcing player safety. While the system has been lauded for its ability to correct on-field decisions, incidents like this highlight the challenges of subjective interpretation.
Joe Cole’s criticism is not without merit. A scissors like tackle has no place in modern football, where player safety is paramount. Such challenges can lead to serious injuries, undermining the integrity of the game. The decision to show only a yellow card, despite a VAR review, raises questions about the criteria used to determine “serious foul play.”
For Ndidi, this moment is a learning opportunity. Known for his composure and defensive reliability, such instances of recklessness can tarnish his reputation. Leicester City, too, must address the emotional discipline of their players, especially in high stakes games.
The larger issue, however, lies in VAR’s implementation. Fans and players alike need clarity and consistency in decisions, particularly those involving potential red-card offences. Until this is achieved, controversies like these will continue to overshadow the game’s progress.
Did You Know?
- Wilfred Ndidi has been a Leicester City stalwart since 2017, known for his defensive midfield capabilities.
- VAR was introduced in the Premier League during the 2019/2020 season to assist referees in critical decision making.
- Joe Cole, who criticised the decision, is a three-time Premier League winner with Chelsea.
- Scissors tackles, like the one in question, are among the most dangerous challenges in football due to the risk of severe injury.
- Chelsea’s victory over Leicester helped maintain their position in the Premier League’s top half, continuing their recovery from a poor start to the season.
