Jarell Quansah ‘lucky to escape red card’ for Cole Palmer challenge in Chelsea clash
Jarell Quansah was lucky to escape a red card in Bayer Leverkusen’s pre-season defeat to Chelsea.
The defender joined Erik ten Hag’s men from Liverpool this summer, but could not help the Bundesliga side avoid a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge on Friday, 8 August.
Enzo Maresca’s side took a first-half lead as Estevao’s goal impressed the Chelsea faithful before Joao Pedro secured the victory in the last minute.
After their loss in West London, Leverkusen are vying to beat fourth-tier side Sonnenhof Grossaspach in the German Cup on Friday, 15 August.
Quansah escapes red card as Leverkusen lose to Chelsea
Alongside Estevao, Cole Palmer was a constant source of danger for Chelsea before being replaced by Pedro Neto at half-time.
But the main talking point of Palmer’s night came when he was caught by a late, sliding challenge from Quansah as the attacking midfielder had his back turned to the tackle.
Chelsea will be relieved that the former Manchester City man escaped injury, especially after the ACL setback suffered by Levi Colwill.
Quansah should have seen red card at Stamford Bridge
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official, and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former referee Hackett said: “It does not matter that this game is billed as a ‘friendly’. The Referee must apply the law, and on first view, I said to myself, ‘red card’.
“The player has come into Cole Palmer with excessive force and a straight leg.
“This foul challenge was an act of Serious Foul Play, and (Stuart) Attwell should have given himself some thinking time and produced the ultimate sanction of a red card.
“Players must be protected.”