Ex-refs chief shares Levi Colwill red-card verdict after analysing Fulham vs Chelsea footage

John Brooks made the right call not to send off Levi Colwill just five minutes into Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that there was enough doubt not to show a red card.

Joao Pedro opened the scoring after one minute, latching onto a smart pass from Cole Palmer, but the game could have been turned on its head moments later.

On Monday, 24 August, the Cottagers attempted to break through via Oscar Bobb, but the former Manchester City winger was scythed down.

Colwill was immediately shown a yellow card, but many supporters felt that his challenge halfway into his own half was worthy of a red card.

He allowed a simple pass from Maxence Lacroix to slip under his foot, and rather than let Bobb escaped, he cynically dragged him down.

Could Levi Colwill have been sent off for DOGSO?

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett disagreed that a red card should have been shown, outlining where the incident fell short of DOGSO.

"The referee judged this incident accurately. Yes, it was a foul, but when reviewing the incident, Denial of a Goalscoring Opportunity is not fulfilled," he said.

"The following must be considered: Distance between the offence and the goal, general direction of play, likelihood of keeping the ball or gaining control, location and number of defenders and attackers.

"In my opinion, the criteria is not fulfilled because of the covering defender, and there's some doubt on the probability of gaining control of the ball."

While Fulham were understandably upset, Hackett has explained why the final outcome was the right one, which undoubtedly had an impact on the result.

Chelsea star still finding his feet again after injury return

Colwill may well feel that he needs more time to return to his former self, having missed most of the 2025-26 campaign through injury.

He made a return towards the end of the season, but even with a pre-season tour under his belt, nothing can prepare him properly for the Premier League.

Other than his one mistake, Colwill was generally a rock at the back, winning 80 per cent of his ground duels, making two tackles, and covering 10.8km [FotMob].

There is no doubt that the 23-year-old will be a first-choice centre-back for Xabi Alonso this season, but he will need some more time to get back up to speed.