‘Stupid’ – Chelsea star slammed by BBC pundit for what he did vs Benfica
Chelsea defeated Benfica 1-0 in their second Champions League game of the season on Tuesday.
The Blues earned a victory thanks to Richard Rios’ own goal, but Chelsea supporters were furious with Tyrique George’s performance on 30 September.
Meanwhile, the Stamford Bridge outfit’s poor disciplinary record continued, with Joao Pedro being sent off after receiving two yellow cards.
Pedro’s dismissal followed red cards to Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah against Manchester United and Brighton, respectively.
Joao Pedro hammered over red card in Chelsea win vs Benfica
Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier called Pedro ‘foolish’ in a Football Insider exclusive, after the former Brighton striker was shown a second yellow card for a high boot in the 96th minute of Chelsea’s triumph over Benfica.
Similarly, ex-Manchester United ace Nicky Butt told BBC One’s Champions League Match of the Day on Wednesday, 1 October: “I think he’s a bit unfortunate with the first one [yellow card]. I don’t think that’s a blatant elbow to the head.
“I think it’s a bit unfortunate, I don’t think that’s a booking, I think he’s hit him on the shoulder. But, even so, you’ve got to be careful when you’ve been booked, and obviously he wasn’t. In these games, you might get away with it a little bit in the Premier League, but in European games you’ve got no chance, and you’re off.
“Very unfortunate with the first one, but the second one’s a stupid yellow card after just having one a little bit earlier.”
Enzo Maresca cannot afford red card repeat vs Liverpool
Chelsea will be grateful for the fact that Pedro’s one-match ban will see him miss their upcoming Champions League encounter with Ajax, rather than their upcoming Premier League clash with Liverpool.
| Chelsea stats | Premier League 2025/26 |
| Position | 8th |
| Points | 8 |
| Games played | 6 |
| Won | 2 |
| Drawn | 2 |
| Lost | 2 |
| Goals scored | 11 |
| Goals conceded | 8 |
The 24-year-old has notched two goals and three assists in five top-flight appearances, and should have what it takes to trouble a Reds backline who have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five games across all competitions, losing back-to-back games against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray.
Despite Liverpool’s recent poor form, they are still a dangerous side who sit top of the Premier League and have only been outscored by North West rivals Manchester City.
Therefore, Maresca cannot afford to see his side handed another red card, as Liverpool boast attackers like Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak, who will tear Chelsea apart if they are reduced to 10 men.
The West Londoners are in desperate need of finding consistency.