Credit: Sky Sports

Oliver Walton

Thu 12 March 2026 11:00, UK

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Charlton Athletic defender Luke Chambers should have seen red for a challenge on Callum Brittain during their 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in the Championship on Wednesday.

Middlesbrough’s automatic promotion hopes suffered a huge blow as Charlton stole all three points from the Riverside Stadium to hand them their third league defeat in 2026.

Conor Coady grabbed the winner for the Addicks in the 59th minute, as Kim Hellberg’s side failed to capitalise on their domination of possession and chances on goal.

Boro felt as if their opponents should have been down to ten men in the first half, however, after Chambers caught Brittain with a late tackle on the right flank.

Referee Adam Herczeg only saw fit to show him a yellow card for the challenge, despite the hosts’ protests, but the Charlton defender was fortunate to stay on the pitch and help his side to a vital win.

Keith Hackett fumes as Luke Chambers avoids red for tackle with ‘excessive force’

Chambers took a heavy touch of the ball towards the byline in the 39th minute of the game before going in late on the onrushing Brittain.

The Boro full back immediately writhed around in pain, and replays showed that Chambers’ right foot had rolled over the top of the ball and caught his leg with his studs up.

Herczeg brandished the yellow, but former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Hackett has exclusively told Football Insider that the Addicks man should have received his marching orders.

He said: “This is a foul challenge with excessive force that endangers the safety of his opponent. Clearly there was malice in that confrontation.

“This should have resulted in Charltons Luke Chambers being shown a different coloured card. Not yellow but red.”

Middlesbrough will be fearing the worst regarding Hayden Hackney summer exit

Boro’s loss to Charlton means they have won just two of their last six Championship games, which is not nearly enough for a team in their position.

They are now just one point ahead of third-placed Millwall, and four ahead of fourth-placed Ipswich, who are set to have a game in hand until the final week of the season.

Many fans will fear that they are struggling for form at the wrong time, and could well miss out on promotion this season despite being so impressive under Hellberg.

Football Insider have revealed that Middlesbrough will accept offers for key midfielder Hackney this summer if they fail to go up, and so his exit could become a reality very soon.

Everton, Fulham and Leeds are each believed to be interested in signing the 23-year-old, who has six goals and assists each in 39 appearances this season.