Chelsea “making it clear” to players that rules have changed over key issue after latest incident | OneFootball

There’s been a lot of talk about Chelsea’s terrible disciplinary record, but precious little action. That’s going to change, it seems.

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Chelsea’s discipline (or lack thereof) has been a major talking point in the last 24 hours after the Blues picked up a ninth red card in all competitions this season when Pedro Neto was dismissed on Sunday.

Liam Rosenior admitted post-game that he was going to have to do something about it, but didn’t give much detail about what that could be.

Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph has today published a piece with a little more information from inside the club.

Chelsea “making it clear” that things must change after latest red

Pedro Neto gets a second yellow. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“It remains unclear whether players are fined for dissent, but Chelsea are making it clear to the entire squad that cards earned for talking back to the referee or displaying dissent will be viewed as unacceptable,” Law wrote.

About time too. You can forgive a player for a mistimed tackle, but dissent is bad behaviour to begin with, let alone when it actually costs your team with a red card. Enzo Fernandez has picked up 12 bookings for dissent (including one on Sunday) since August 2023, more than anyone else. Yet Rosenior said he was not considering taking his vice-captain’s armband away.

The Argentine would be a good place to start, if we’re looking to make an example.

In other news…

Chelsea don’t have long to stew over their defeat – they’re back in action against Aston Villa on Wednesday night, and have some important players close to returning to action.

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