Dermot Gallagher believes Chelsea’s Estevao should have been shown a straight red card during his side’s 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes that Chelsea’s 18-year-old winger Estevao should have been shown a straight red card during his side’s 3-1 defeat to Leeds United, according to a report from the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Estevao was booked by referee Darren England for a cynical first-half foul on Gabriel Gudmundsson, where the winger took a frustrated swipe at the Leeds defender from behind to halt a counter-attack.
Gallagher told Sky Sports Ref Watch that the Brazilian was fortunate to escape with only a caution, especially since he made no attempt to play the ball.
Gallagher was adamant, stating: “I think it’s a red card, I really do. I don’t think Estevao has any intention other than to kick him down.
You can’t tell me he’s gone to trip him, you can’t tell me he’s gone to stop a promising attack. He’s just kicked him.”
Former Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd disagreed, however, believing the yellow card was correct, saying:
“I think the reason he’s done that is to stop a counter-attack. He has clipped his heels, there is a bit more force but I definitely don’t think it should be a red card.”
Gallagher also reviewed the earlier decision to wave away a penalty claim when Chelsea were 1-0 down, following contact between Pascal Struijk and Liam Delap in the box.
Referee England’s initial decision was checked by VAR and upheld. Gallagher backed the non-call:
“They had a quick check and waved it away. This is one of them that they say is the consequence of the tackle.
It doesn’t put him off his shot, I don’t think it’s reckless, I think it’s a challenge. The feeling is if it’s not a reckless challenge, which it wasn’t, it’s not a foul.”
The victory saw Daniel Farke’s side climb above the relegation zone, putting them three points ahead of West Ham ahead of their next fixture against Liverpool at Elland Road on Saturday evening.