‘Huge’ – Ex-FIFA ref hits out at officials over Enzo Maresca red card vs Liverpool
Enzo Maresca’s red card against Liverpool for celebrating Estevao’s last-minute goal was “avoidable”.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee put a dampener on what was a profound and special moment for the Blues.
Chelsea have been struggling in recent weeks, winning just two of their last six games before their clash with the defending Premier League champions.
Despite Enzo Maresca being under pressure, the Italian manager set his Chelsea side up in an unorthodox way, with Malo Gusto in midfield.
What resulted was a phenomenal performance, a Moises Caicedo wonder-strike, and a 96th-minute winner from Brazilian wonderkid Estevao.
However, during the chaos of the moment, Maresca‘s Jose Mourinho-running-down-the-touchline moment was spoiled by the man in charge of the match.
Enzo Maresca shown second yellow during manic celebrations
Estevao was brought on in the 75th minute to replace Pedro Neto, and the former Palmeiras man popped up at the back post to slam home a Marc Cucurella cross.
Stamford Bridge erupted, Chelsea’s players flooded towards the home fans, and Maresca sprinted down the touchline to join them.
Who could blame him in a moment of pure elation?
Anthony Taylor is who. Maresca was shown a yellow for his protestations over Alejandro Garnacho’s penalty appeal in the first half.
And upon returning to the bench, the Italian manager was then sent off by the referee, meaning he will not be allowed to be on the touchline for Chelsea’s match against Nottingham Forest on 18 October.
Keith Hackett disappointed with Anthony Taylor’s decision
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-PGMOL boss Hackett was critical of Taylor’s lack of understanding in an emotional situation.
He said: “In added time of a pulsating game, Chelsea scored the winning goal and huge celebrations broke out amongst the players and staff of Chelsea.
“Out of sheer emotion and an adrenaline rush, the manager sprinted down the touchline to celebrate the goal with members of his team.
“Taylor at this point, having probably been told by his fourth official what had happened, should have pulled the manager to one side and offered him some operational advice alongside a public warning.
“But no, Taylor decides to issue a second yellow followed by a red. It was avoidable.”