Credit: Imago / Sky Sports

Harri Burton

Mon 13 April 2026 10:15, UK

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Chris Kavanagh failed to punish accordingly after Rodri committed an early foul in Chelsea‘s defeat to Manchester City.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Spanish midfielder got away with “unsporting behaviour” in the opening 10 minutes.

Cole Palmer was frustrated when his shirt was pulled back by Rodri, as the former City player attempted to break free at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 12 April, and even more so when no yellow card was shown.

It is unlikely to be an incident that had an overall impact on the 3-0 result in West London, but it still drew criticism towards the referee’s performance as Man City beat Chelsea in the Premier League.

Chris Kavanagh fails to punish Rodri for foul on Cole Palmer

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There is a lack of consistency that we see week in, week out from the PGMOL officials regarding holding or pulling offences. 

“This is clearly a holding offence that has stopped a promising attack. In law, it’s unsporting behaviour and a yellow card. There’s a requirement for officials to get a level of consistency. 

“Kavanagh has probably taken the view that he’ll hold back on yellow cards, which will reduce the chance of a red in the future, but applying the law is the important bit. 

“It’s a clear pull on a player who has a great skillset, and age-wise, he’s someone who might just retaliate. I think he’s let himself down, and he’s let the game down by not cautioning the player.”

Chelsea supporters fire digs at Man City midfielder

Chelsea supporters appear to have found the funny side of the situation, with one fan pointing out a similar incident from a game in 2023.

Rodri seems to get away with quite a lot in the centre of midfield, and having committed three fouls without a booking, it is easy to see why rival fans get so frustrated.

Had the Blues taken the lead at Stamford Bridge, the end result could have been very different for the Citizens, but Pep Guardiola’s side took full advantage of a goalless first 45 minutes.

Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku were all on target in the second half, with Liam Rosenior’s side still four points below the Champions League spots.