BREAKING NEWS: FIFA has just released some very unfortunate news for the officials and referees that worked the match between Leicester city and Chelsea. They were removed from their positions because a rough tackle on Cole Palmer which was not awarded, which resulted in them losing their jobs.

Wilfred Ndidi’s challenge on Cole Palmer during Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Leicester City has sparked widespread outrage after the Leicester midfielder escaped a red card. The reckless tackle, which saw Ndidi’s studs rake the back of Palmer’s right ankle, was deemed by VAR officials to “lack intensity,” resulting in only a yellow card.

The incident occurred in the first half, leaving Palmer in visible pain on the pitch. Many fans and pundits were stunned by the decision, expecting referee Andrew Madley or VAR official Paul Tierney to upgrade the yellow to a red upon review. However, Ndidi remained on the field, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from all corners.

Joe Cole’s Fiery Critique

Chelsea legend Joe Cole, speaking on TNT Sports, strongly condemned the decision, labeling the tackle as a deliberate and dangerous act. Describing it as an “old-fashioned reducer,” Cole suggested that Ndidi’s frustration led to the reckless challenge.

Analyzing the footage, Cole said, *“Watch where the ball is and where Ndidi’s right foot is. He’s gone for Palmer and tried to swipe the ball with his left foot as an afterthought. It’s reckless and should’ve been a red card.”* He also expressed concern about the implications of the decision, noting, *“If Ndidi plays a part in Leicester getting back into this game, it’s a massive injustice.”*

VAR’s Controversial Justification

TNT Sports host Lynsey Hipgrave shared a statement from the Premier League Match Centre explaining why the tackle didn’t warrant a red card. VAR officials argued that the short distance between Ndidi and Palmer, combined with their assessment of “low intensity,” made the yellow card sufficient. Joe Cole’s reaction summed up the frustration of many, as he shook his head in disbelief, clearly unimpressed by the explanation.

Fan Fury on Social Media

Chelsea fans took to social media to voice their anger. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: *“Two clear red card challenges on Palmer this season, and both are just yellows. The Premier League is failing to protect its best young players. Do better, @FA_PGMOL!”*

Another supporter commented sarcastically, *“So ‘lacks intensity’ means ‘he ALMOST snapped his Achilles, so it’s fine’? Ridiculous.”* A third added, *“That could’ve ended Palmer’s season. VAR is a disgrace.”*

A Recurring Issue

This is not the first time this season that Palmer has been on the receiving end of a dangerous challenge that went unpunished. In a match against Manchester United, Lisandro Martínez made a similarly aggressive tackle on Palmer, which also resulted only in a yellow card. Such repeated incidents have led Chelsea fans and analysts to question whether enough is being done to protect players from reckless fouls.

Calls for Accountability

The Ndidi-Palmer controversy has reignited debates about the consistency of officiating and the effectiveness of VAR. Critics argue that lenient decisions like these not only undermine player safety but also the integrity of the game. While Chelsea managed to win the match, the controversy surrounding Ndidi’s tackle has overshadowed the result, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of the rules and greater accountability for referees and VAR officials.