BREAKING: Ex-Premier League referee on possible extended ban for Marc Cucurella as controversial Chelsea footage emerges
Ex-PL Ref on possible extended ban for Cucurella as controversial Chelsea footage emerges
Marc Cucurella was “lucky” to avoid a yellow card as Chelsea lost 2-1 to Southampton on Tuesday (30 August), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted Cucurella did not deserve a red card for his “reckless” challenge on Armel Bella-Kotchap in the Chelsea penalty area.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme, the 24-year-old challenged Bella-Kotchap for a high cross and appeared to push his opponent in the head.
Chelsea
Michael Oliver waved away Southampton’s appeals for a penalty and VAR operator Michael Salisbury agreed with his judgement and did not intervene.
The Saints were leading 2-1 at the time and a penalty would have given them the opportunity to cement their lead.
A red card for Cucurella would have seen him banned for Chelsea’s next three domestic games, starting with the visit of West Ham United on Saturday (3 September).
“I think he’s a lucky boy here,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“To be honest with you, he’s led with the hand and arm. He’s gone in with his arm and I think he’s lucky.
“I’m surprised he’s not got a yellow card here for what is a reckless challenge.
“It’s not a red card challenge and that’s probably why VAR didn’t come in on it.”
Chelsea have one of the worst disciplinary records in the league already this season...CONTINUE.YOUR.READING
The Blues have received two of the three red cards that have been dished out this term although they have only been shown six yellow cards.
