Ex-refs chief: Enzo Fernandez guilty of 'brutality' as Chelsea-Man City footage re-analysed
Keith Hackett has insisted that Enzo Fernandez was fortunate not to be sent off in Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal of the game to deliver the trophy to Pep Guardiola’s side in what was a controversial match at Wembley.
The Blues had many penalty claims turned down throughout, but were also perhaps lucky not to go down to 10 players.
In the first half, Fernandez put in a strong challenge on Bernando Silva, which appeared to be reckless in the replays.
Yet, referee Darren England believed this was only worthy of a yellow card, and VAR did not see this as a clear and obvious error in a heartbreaking Chelsea defeat.
Keith Hackett: Enzo Fernandez should have been sent off
Fernandez’s challenge has generated much debate online.
The midfielder appeared to have gone in for the ball with two feet, and while he did win the ball, it was still seen as a dangerous challenge.
| Match stats | Manchester City | Chelsea |
| Possession | 56% | 44% |
| Shots | 9 | 7 |
| Shots on target | 4 | 1 |
| Corners | 4 | 4 |
Upon reviewing the footage, Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that Fernandez should have been given his marching orders.
He said: “This challenge meets the criteria for serious foul play, and he is very fortunate to stay on the field of play.
“Serious Foul Play - The law states that a tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.
“Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play
“Clearly, the referee saw this as borderline Reckless.”
Will Fernandez be a Chelsea player next season?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Chelsea are prepared to let Fernandez leave in the summer.
Real Madrid are reportedly lining up a move after the midfielder confessed his interest, with the club being long-term admirers.
Chelsea will insist on getting a fair price for the Argentina international and want to do a deal on their own terms.
However, it remains to be seen if the Blues will qualify for a European competition for next season and if this will affect a potential sale.