Chelsea get red card review as Levi Colwill escapes punishment for tackle in Fulham win | OneFootball

Supporters have debated whether Chelsea were fortunate to keep all 11 players on the pitch in Premier League opener

Levi Colwill was not fortunate to avoid a red card in Chelsea’s win over Fulham, says former Premier League referee chief Keith Hackett.

The Blues defender lined up on the left-hand side of a back three at Craven Cottage on Monday night, with Wesley Fofana ruled out through suspension.

However, Colwill had walk the disciplinary tightrope for 85 minutes after being booked in the early stages for a foul on Fulham attacking midfielder Oscar Bobb.

A loose touch from the Chelsea No6 allowed for Bobb to win possession high in the visitors’ half and after pushing the ball into space, he was brought down by Colwill.

Referee John Brooks immediately brandished a yellow card, though the decision sparked a debate among supporters with some suggesting Colwill should have been sent off as he was the last man.

Upon reviewing the incident, Hackett believes the on-field decision was the correct one, insisting Chelsea had a covering defender.

“The covering defender influences my agreement,” Hackett said in response on social media.

“No red card correct decision.”

Verdict: Levi Colwill

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Colwill’s tackle came after Joao Pedro had put Chelsea 1-0 up after just 31 seconds in the west London derby before Morgan Rogers cancelled out Josh King’s equaliser to restore the lead heading into the break.

Cole Palmer’s goal shortly after the restart proved to be the winner after Gonzalo Garcia had given Fulham hope, leaving Xabi Alonso to heap praise on his match-winner.

He said: “I am very happy for Cole because I have really enjoyed seeing him play with this dynamism, with this freedom, with this responsibility, helping the team, and feeling important.

“We need that for the team. If Cole feels this way, we will have a better team and a better Chelsea.

“I am happy for him that he enjoyed his game, and you can see that.”