Keith Hackett, former PGMOL chief and one of football’s most respected refereeing voices, has criticized Andy Madley’s handling of Wilfred Ndidi’s late challenge on Chelsea’s Cole Palmer during their recent Premier League clash.
Hackett described the tackle as a clear red card offense, arguing that Madley failed to adequately protect the players on the pitch.
The Incident
The controversial moment occurred when Leicester midfielder Ndidi lunged in from behind, catching Palmer with his studs down the back of his leg and into his Achilles—a highly sensitive and injury-prone area. While Ndidi was cautioned with a yellow card, fans and pundits quickly questioned why a more severe punishment wasn’t issued. Despite a VAR review, no further action was taken, allowing Ndidi to remain on the field.
Palmer, who was visibly hurt by the tackle, managed to shake off the challenge and continue playing. The young Chelsea star played a crucial role in the match, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Blues thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez.
Hackett: “It Should Have Been a Red”
Hackett did not mince words in his assessment of the incident, labeling Ndidi’s challenge as reckless and dangerous. “Ndidi came in high and raked down the Achilles of the Chelsea player,” Hackett said. “For me, it’s a clear red. It’s about protecting the players. The Achilles is a vulnerable area, and it’s fortunate the Chelsea player didn’t milk it. It was a poor decision, and he should have walked.”
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VAR Under Fire
This latest refereeing controversy has once again put VAR under scrutiny. While the technology is intended to eliminate clear and obvious errors, fans and experts alike were left baffled as to why VAR opted not to intervene. For many, Ndidi’s challenge appeared to meet the criteria for a red card, sparking debates over consistency in officiating.
Hackett, a seasoned referee himself, pointed out the significance of protecting players from such reckless fouls. “Incidents like this can lead to serious injuries,” he emphasized. “It’s disappointing to see a decision like this go unpunished to the extent it should have been.”
A Lucky Escape for Palmer
Cole Palmer’s ability to continue playing after the challenge was a relief for Chelsea supporters, who have been impressed by the young playmaker’s performances since his arrival. However, the incident highlighted the risks players face when referees fail to take decisive action against dangerous challenges.
Hackett credited Palmer for not exaggerating the impact of the foul but argued that the severity of the challenge should have been enough to warrant a red card, irrespective of the player’s reaction. “It shouldn’t matter whether a player ‘milks’ it or not. The tackle itself was dangerous,” Hackett said.
The Wider Implications
Chelsea secured all three points in a hard-fought victory that ultimately led to Leicester manager Steve Cooper’s dismissal the following day. However, the focus has since shifted to the officiating and what many see as a missed opportunity to set a standard for player safety.
Hackett’s comments resonate with a growing frustration among fans and analysts regarding inconsistency in officiating decisions, particularly when it comes to player protection. Dangerous fouls like Ndidi’s can have long-term repercussions, and the lack of punishment sets a concerning precedent.
Moving Forward
For Chelsea, the win solidified their recent resurgence, while Leicester faces increasing pressure in their battle to climb out of the relegation zone. However, the debate surrounding the Ndidi incident is unlikely to fade quickly. As referees and VAR remain under the microscope, calls for greater consistency and accountability in officiating are only growing louder.
Hackett’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the responsibility officials have to ensure the safety of players on the pitch. Whether this incident prompts a reevaluation of refereeing standards remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: fans, players, and pundits alike expect better.
For Chelsea, Palmer’s resilience on the pitch reflects the determination of a team looking to push forward. For Leicester, questions over discipline and performance continue to linger. And for the referees, the Ndidi-Palmer clash stands as yet another controversial moment in a season already filled with contentious decisions.