Wilfred Ndidi found himself in the middle of controversy on Saturday during Leicester City’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, with pundits blasting his involvement in a terrible tackle on Cole Palmer.
The incident, which took place in the first half, saw the Nigerian midfielder make a reckless challenge that many felt warranted a red card. But was he fortunate to escape a harsher punishment?
The tackle came midway through the first half when Ndidi stamped on Palmer’s Achilles tendon, footballrover reports.
Referee Andy Madley opted for a yellow card, much to the dismay of Chelsea’s players, who believed the challenge was serious enough to result in a dismissal.
Wilfred Ndidi’s terrible challenge sparks outrage
Rob Page, former Wales manager, was quick to criticise the decision, asserting that Ndidi was incredibly lucky to avoid a red.
“Wilfred Ndidi is very lucky. It’s a clumsy challenge; he has gone in for the tackle and landed on Cole Palmer’s Achilles tendon,” Rob Page said.
While Joe Cole, speaking on TNT Sports, echoed similar sentiments, questioning why Ndidi was not sent off.
“That tackle, he could hurt him there. If VAR is ever going to step in for reckless dendagrement of a player. It’s a terrible tackle.
“This is a game Leicester were miles off it and at the height of their frustration. He’s lost his rag; he should be sent off. He nearly scores the equaliser. If he plays a part in getting Leicester back in the game, I’d imagine Enzo Maresca will be furious,” Joe Cole said.
Despite this, Ndidi nearly redeemed himself three minutes before halftime with a promising attempt on goal, though his shot drifted wide.
His overall display did little to quell the frustration around his earlier challenge.
The Foxes’ fightback in stoppage time came too late, as Jordan Ayew’s penalty could not prevent the loss.
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