Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Chelsea: Howard Webb should visit Cobham Training Centre to address discipline issues, says ex-refs chief

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Chelsea and Liam Rosenior should be treated to a visit from Howard Webb amid concerns over player behaviour this season.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the head of the PGMOL needs to discuss the Blues' behaviour in the Premier League.

While not all red cards have been under Rosenior's watch, the team have collectively been sent off seven times in the Premier League, with Joao Pedro also given his marching orders in the Champions League.

Now, Pedro Neto's actions on international duty have sparked concerns over discipline at Stamford Bridge, something that must be addressed before more players are sent off or punished.

Liam Rosenior told to address Chelsea's disciplinary issues

Neto should have been sent off for Portugal during a goalless draw against Mexico on Sunday, 29 March, and that would have been another reckless moment from a Chelsea star this season.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “With the record that they’ve got, and a manager who has good knowledge, I would suggest that Howard Webb needs to make a call. 

“Not on this specific incident, but in the past, with the record they’ve got, he should march into the office and have a conversation.

Premier League clubs (2025-26)No. of red cards
Chelsea7
Tottenham4
Everton4
Wolves3
West Ham3
Burnley3
Newcastle United3

"A referee and a referee’s coach should go in and have conversations with the players, so nobody is left in any doubt. But at the end of the day, the disciplinary record is a reflection of the manager.” 

New Chelsea boss already under pressure at Stamford Bridge

There is a very real possibility that the Blues could miss out on Champions League qualification this season, and some fans may feel that red cards have cost them in key games.

Although many of them were under Enzo Maresca's leadership, there has still been a lack of discipline amongst the squad since the new manager was appointed in January.

Mick Brown has revealed to Football Insider that Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Rosenior, with whispers of his potential sacking already emerging in West London

The revolving door continues to spin at Stamford Bridge, and it remains to be seen if the new boss will make it to next season.

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