“Poor judgment, poor officiating" - Former PGMOL chief slams VAR after missing Cole Palmer incident during Leicester City vs Chelsea

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has slammed VAR after Wilfred Ndidi's reckless tackle on Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer was only deemed a yellow card offense. The Blues faced Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in their Premier League clash yesterday (November 23), which they won 2-1.

An early goal from Nicolas Jackson in the 15th minute put the Blues ahead, and Enzo Fernandez extended their lead in the 75th minute. Jordan Ayew converted from the penalty spot late on (90+5') to give the Foxes a consolation goal.

However, things might have been much worse for the hosts if Ndidi had been sent off. In the 22nd minute, the midfielder put his studs on Palmer's ankle in a heavy tackle that saw the Chelsea playmaker crumple to the ground in pain.

Referee Andy Madley showed Ndidi a yellow card, and VAR did not instruct the official to review the incident, which may have led to a red card. This controversial decision has not been taken lightly by Keith Hackett, who told Football insider:

“I thought that the challenge by the Leicester City player Ndidi raking his boot down the Achilles of his opponent should have been red carded. Poor judgment, poor officiating. It was a clear and obvious error and VAR should have intervened.”

Wilfred Ndidi remained on the pitch with the yellow card to his name, even missing a big chance to equalize near the end of the first half. Chelsea managed to come out winners at the end of the game, and they now sit in third place on the Premier League table, nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

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Enzo Maresca speaks about Ndidi's reckless tackle after Chelsea clinch all 3 points

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has spoken about Wilfred Ndidi's reckless tackle, which may have earned the Nigerian midfielder a red card on another day. It is worth noting that Maresca led the Foxes back to the Premier League last season, before becoming the manager at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking after the game, Maresca made it clear that there were no bad intentions from Ndidi, who made 36 appearances under the Italian (via football.london):

"I don't think Cole is the target. I don't think that... I'm not saying Wilf [Ndidi] was bad intention because I love Wilf. Overall, when there is bad intention, I think the punishment has to be different."

He also admitted that he did not think Ndidi should have been shown a red card for the tackle on Palmer:

"Today's foul? I don't think so. I saw the clip and I don't think it is a red, to be honest. The other one [vs Manchester United] I said that was a red card, for sure."

Chelsea will return to the pitch on November 28, this time at the Voith-Arena in Germany, where they face Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League.