Chelsea exclusive: Colwill’s bad reputation grows after new ban – Ex-FIFA ref
Levi Colwill is developing a poor reputation for on-pitch outbursts according to Keith Hackett, after he picked up another booking to be ruled out of Chelsea’s Club World Cup semi-final tie.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the England international needs to seek help from a psychologist for his conduct after he was yellow-carded for a second time in as many games against Palmeiras on Saturday, 5 July.
Chelsea faced Palmeiras in Philadelphia for a place in the semi-finals of the new, revamped CWC tournament, and Cole Palmer gave them the lead early on before Estevao, who joined the Blues last summer in a deal worth £29m, netted at tight angle to level the scores in the second-half.
It was Enzo Maresca’s side who came away with the victory to progress into the semi-finals though, as Malo Gusto’s 83rd minute cross was diverted towards the goal by Agustin Giay before goalkeeper Weverton fumbled it over the line for 2-1.
Colwill’s successive CWC outburst seals semi-final suspension
Maresca’s side will now face another Brazilian outfit in Fluminense on Tuesday, 8 July, for a place in the CWC final in New Jersey, but Colwill will watch on from the sidelines after his late booking against Palmeiras ruled him out of the game.
The 22-year-old was penalised for a debatable Jose Lopez in the 86th minute of the clash, but was booked for his reaction to referee Alireza Faghani’s decision, as he pointed and shouted at him to express his anger.
Colwill went on an X-rated rant at referee Slavko Vincic in the Blues’ previous game against Benfica, and was also booked earlier on for a separate incident, so the CWC’s yellow card rules mean he will now sit out of the semi-final alongside teammate Liam Delap.
Hackett told Football Insider following the previous game that he expected FIFA to take action against the England international, but while he was not banned retrospectively, his angry on-pitch antics have now earned him a suspension regardless.
Keith Hackett urges Colwill to seek psychology as his bad reputation grows
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said of the Chelsea star: “He probably needs to sit with a sports psychologist and discuss ways in which he can cope better with decisions that go against him.
“Referees watch closely games and in this tournament players who receive sanctions do tend to stand out.
“Managers and players need to be aware that like their coaches referees do their homework and prepare for games.
“Players build reputations and need to be aware.”
The Blues now have three days to prepare for their semi-final clash against another Brazilian opponent, but could struggle without Colwill, who has started four of their five games at the tournament so far.