Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has sparked controversy after defending Leicester City midfielder Wilfried Ndidi over his horror tackle on Cole Palmer, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Ndidi's strong challenge on Palmer during Saturday's Premier League match at the King Power Stadium left many calling for a red card. However, referee Andy Madley opted not to dismiss the Leicester midfielder.
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Maresca, who previously coached Ndidi at Leicester, insists the tackle did not warrant a red card. "I don't think Cole is the target. I don't think that," Maresca said in his post-match interview.
"I'm not saying Wilf [Ndidi] was bad intention because I love Wilf. Overall, when there is bad intention, I think the punishment has to be different."
Maresca comments may raise eyebrows among Chelsea fans, who felt Ndidi's tackle was reckless and deserving of a red card.
Chelsea ultimately emerged victorious, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun