Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shared his perspective on Leicester City midfielder Wilfried Ndidi’s controversial tackle on Cole Palmer during Saturday’s Premier League clash.
Despite backlash from Chelsea fans over referee Andy Madley’s decision not to issue a red card, Maresca defended Ndidi, who brought Palmer down with a tackle from behind in the 22nd minute, making contact with the back of his ankle.
The match, held at the King Power Stadium, ended in a 2-1 victory for Chelsea, with goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez securing the win.
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Speaking in his post-match interview, Maresca, who previously worked with Ndidi at Leicester, dismissed the idea that the challenge was malicious or warranted a red card.
“I don’t think Cole was the target. I don’t believe that,” Maresca said. “I’m not saying Wilf [Ndidi] had bad intentions because I love Wilf. When there’s bad intent, the punishment should be different, but this wasn’t the case.”
He continued: “I saw the clip and, to be honest, I don’t think it’s a red card. In the other situation [against Manchester United], I said it was a clear red card. But not this one.”