Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has voiced his frustration over a controversial yellow card decision that allowed Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes to remain on the pitch during their 1-1 draw on Sunday. Maresca believes Hughes should have been sent off for a second yellow card after a foul on Cole Palmer in the 47th minute, arguing that the missed call significantly impacted the game’s outcome.
Chelsea had taken the lead through Nicolas Jackson’s first-half goal but were denied a potential victory when Hughes escaped a red card despite already being booked in the first half. Maresca, who was visibly angered by the referee’s decision, stated that the game would have taken a different turn if Palace had been playing with 10 men. He emphasized that it was clear to everyone except the referee that Hughes deserved a second yellow card.
The Palace midfielder was immediately substituted following the incident, which further fueled Maresca’s belief that the referee had made an error. He believes VAR should have the power to overturn yellow card decisions missed by referees, as he feels this specific incident had a direct impact on the match’s flow.
Chelsea’s frustration was compounded by Eberechi Eze’s stunning equaliser for Palace just minutes after Hughes’ foul. The Blues dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the game, but their efforts were ultimately thwarted by a combination of Palace’s resilience and the controversial refereeing decision.
Despite the draw, Maresca remains optimistic about his team’s performance and their potential for the season. He praised his players’ efforts and highlighted their control of the game, particularly in the first half. Chelsea’s new signing Jadon Sancho was also introduced to the fans before the game, but he was not yet eligible to play. Maresca expressed his excitement about Sancho’s arrival, emphasizing that the winger’s skills will be valuable for the team. However, he emphasized that even without Sancho, Chelsea had created enough chances to secure a victory, highlighting their attacking potential.
The incident has sparked debate about the role of VAR in English football, particularly regarding yellow card decisions. As the Premier League season continues, it remains to be seen whether the league will adopt changes to its VAR protocols in response to similar incidents.
