Former Premier League referee chief Keith Hackett has weighed in on the debate over Levi Colwill's challenge in Chelsea's win over Fulham, insisting the defender was not fortunate to avoid a red card.
Colwill was booked early in the match at Craven Cottage for a foul on Fulham's Oscar Bobb. After a loose touch from the Chelsea No6, Bobb won possession high in the visitors' half and was brought down by Colwill as he pushed the ball into space.
Referee John Brooks immediately showed a yellow card, but the decision sparked debate among supporters, with some suggesting Colwill should have been sent off as the last man.
Hackett's Verdict
Upon reviewing the incident, Hackett believes the on-field decision was correct, pointing to the presence of a covering defender. "The covering defender influences my agreement," Hackett said on social media. "No red card correct decision."
Colwill walked a disciplinary tightrope for 85 minutes after the booking, playing on the left-hand side of a back three as Wesley Fofana was ruled out through suspension.
Match Context
Colwill's tackle came after Joao Pedro had put Chelsea 1-0 up after just 31 seconds in the west London derby. Morgan Rogers cancelled out Josh King's equaliser to restore the lead heading into the break.
Cole Palmer's goal shortly after the restart proved to be the winner after Gonzalo Garcia had given Fulham hope, leaving Xabi Alonso to praise his match-winner. "I am very happy for Cole because I have really enjoyed seeing him play with this dynamism, with this freedom, with this responsibility, helping the team, and feeling important," Alonso said.
"We need that for the team. If Cole feels this way, we will have a better team and a better Chelsea. I am happy for him that he enjoyed his game, and you can see that."
