Exclusive: Pedro Neto ‘should have walked’ as Chelsea star ‘fortunate’ v PSG
Pedro Neto was lucky to still be on the pitch as Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea beat PSG in the Club World Cup final, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referee Alireza Faghani likely took into consideration the scoreline and time left when making his decision.
Cole Palmer stole the show at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday, 13 July, firing an incredible brace past Man City-linked shot-stopper Gianluca Donnarumma, while Joao Pedro bagged another just before half-time.
The Blues were cruising to another trophy after lifting the Europa Conference League title last season, with many football fans stunned by the first-half performance in America, but the game could have all changed.
Pedro Neto walks a tightrope in Club World Cup final
Neto was one of three Chelsea players to be cautioned in the first 45 minutes, joined by Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto in the referee’s notebook, but he refused to hold back with his challenges.
Before being replaced by Christopher Nkunku in the 77th minute, the winger dragged Desire Doue down on the flank after he skipped past Marc Cucurella, with some fans expecting another yellow card.
With the referee choosing to only award a free-kick rather than send the player off, Hackett believes Faghani took a lenient approach due to the Blues’ extensive lead in the Club World Cup final.
At the time of the incident, 25 minutes still remained of normal time, and while Luis Enrique‘s side lacked any signs of a comeback, a different decision could have changed the course of the game.
Keith Hackett expected Chelsea star to be sent off
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Absolutely. What I think has happened is that the referee has looked at his watch, probably thought ‘game over’, and hasn’t given it.
“For me, it’s a second yellow, and he should have walked. Generally, this referee had a very good game, managing the players and going straight in when anything happened.
“He did really well, so maybe he took the event into account and was reluctant to award the red. The player was very fortunate, though, for sure.
“He stopped a promising attack. It is a cautionable offence, leading to a yellow card; he didn’t receive one, but he should have.”