Ex-refs chief: Howard Webb should visit Chelsea as ‘strong letter of warning’ expected after Nottingham Forest incident
Enzo Maresca should be facing a visit from Howard Webb after yet more indiscipline from his Chelsea players.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that he would rather the FA take different actions after another red card against Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea beat the Reds 3-0 at the City Ground on Saturday, 18 October, a game which saw Ange Postecoglou sacked by Evangelos Marinakis, but there is still a dark cloud hanging over the Blues despite their win.
In the 87th minute, having been cautioned earlier in the second half, Malo Gusto scythed down Neco Williams and received his marching orders, Chelsea’s fifth of the campaign before the end of October.
Howard Webb should be sent to Cobham Training Centre
It has been suggested that the Blues will receive a letter from the FA due to their lack of discipline, but Hackett would rather see the head of the PGMOL take things into his own hands.
Joao Pedro, Trevoh Chalobah, Robert Sanchez, and manager Maresca have all received red cards this season. Something needs to change.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Rather than a strong letter of warning, I would suggest that the FA should arrange for Howard Webb to visit the club armed with video examples of:
- Careless challenges – free-kick
- Reckless challenges – free-kick and a yellow card
- Excessive for challenges that endanger the safety of an opponent – red card
“By showing the clips and discussing with the players and coaching staff, it may assist in avoiding sanctions for a period,” but it remains to be seen if Webb will get involved.
Enzo Maresca needs to set an example after Liverpool red card
The manager continues to find himself with players unavailable due to a lack of discipline on the pitch, but after Maresca was sent off against Liverpool, he needs to set an example for his players.
Of course, his situation was far different from his players, running down the touchline to celebrate with the squad following Estevao‘s late winner. Nonetheless, players follow his lead.
The Blues will now be without Gusto for the next Premier League game, while Pedro is also unavailable for the clash with Ajax in the Champions League.