Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo escapes red card after horror tackle – with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon later subbed off injured
FANS can’t believe Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was only booked for a dreadful FIRST-MINUTE challenge on Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.
Caicedo studded the winger’s leg after lunging recklessly from behind.
But the record buy walked away with a yellow card in Tuesday’s EFL Cup quarter-final – despite most viewers claiming he should have seen red.
Gordon was eventually forced off injured after treatment early in the second period, with Matt Ritchie replacing him.
But viewers were more focused on the wideman’s first moment of pain – right at the start of the tie.
One fan said of Caicedo: “He’s lucky to still be on the pitch.”
Others said of his tackle: “Dirty challenge” … “Wow” … and “That’s bad”.
And this was a typical response on social media: “It was his studs on the back of Gordon‘s legs. Could have been sent off there to be honest.”
Chelsea‘s apparent let-off didn’t last long, though.
Callum Wilson punished dire defending from Mauricio Pochettino‘s much-changed side by blasting Newcastle on 16 minutes.
But much of the attention remained on Caicedo’s shocking slide on Gordon.
The £115million ex-Brighton hero had little chance of winning the ball when he clattered into the ex-Everton man.
Caicedo might be grateful referees can’t fall back on video replays – because so far, in domestic games, VAR is only used in the Premier League.
And one fan argued: “The lack of VAR is working in Chelsea’s favour so far.”
The Ecuadorian anchorman, 22, has struggled in general since his summer arrival.
And one viewer said of his first-half display: “Caicedo is a major worry for Chelsea, looks overwhelmed in there.”