Moises Caicedo’s Red Card vs Arsenal: Premier League Breaks Silence
· YEN.com.gh News · Join- Moises Caicedo was sent off during Chelsea’s highly anticipated English Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday, November 30
- The Ecuadorian midfielder initially received a yellow card from referee Anthony Taylor, but the decision was upgraded to a red after his challenge on Mikel Merino.
- The Premier League has released an official explanation detailing why Caicedo was dismissed in the heated encounter at Stamford Bridge
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Moises Caicedo’s afternoon ended in frustration after a reckless tackle on Mikel Merino earned him a red card in Chelsea’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
The moment arrived just before the interval when the midfielder lunged in with his studs showing, catching the Spaniard around the ankle.
Source: Getty Images
Anthony Taylor, who has earned the moniker 'controversial' for his past decisions, initially produced a yellow card. Still, the decision quickly sparked debate across social media as replays exposed the severity of the contact.
According to The Sun, VAR soon intervened and advised the referee to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor.
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The new angle left little room for doubt. Caicedo’s forceful challenge endangered his opponent, and after a brief check, Taylor returned to upgrade the booking.
The Ecuadorian was dismissed, leaving Chelsea with a daunting task against the current league pacesetters. The reverse was the case in Chelsea's Champions League game against Barcelona.
Premier League explains Caicedo's red card
The Premier League released a statement on X to explain the call.
"After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Caicedo and issued a red card for serious foul play. Referee announcement: “After review, Chelsea 25, makes a challenge with excessive force and endangers the safety of the opponent, therefore my final decision is a red card.”
Supporters watching from around the world reacted almost instantly as the footage circulated online.
Many felt the punishment was deserved, given the danger involved in the tackle. Others criticised the midfielder for attempting to appear injured after catching Merino.
@oldtraffordonly wrote:
"He made a horrible tackle and pretended to be the affected person lol what a Chelsea mentality."
@MaaduOfficial shared:
"That challenge was definitely a moment of madness. A red card before the half in a derby is a massive mental challenge. Chelsea needs a miracle to hold on now!"
@TheNeozion observed:
"Let's be honest, Maresca's boys are very indiscipline in big games. Too many red cards this season, most of them unnecessary."
@David11672144 said:
"Careless tackle."
@OGosaks reflected:
"That is what happens when you're talked up by the media. It was a horrible play that could have sent Merino out for months. Deserved!"
Chelsea’s red card record this season
Although this was Caicedo’s first career dismissal, it added to a growing list of discipline concerns for the London side.
Source: Getty Images
According to Opta, he is the seventh Chelsea player to be sent off against Arsenal in the Premier League and the first since David Luiz in September 2017, highlighting a recurring issue that continues to affect the team in crucial matches.
Fortunately, Caicedo's red card did not hurt Chelsea's chances as they pulled first blood through Trevoh Chalobah after recess. Mikel Merino levelled the score 11 minutes later as both teams settled for a 1-1 draw.
Oracle cat predicts Chelsea vs Arsenal match
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that a mysterious cat had predicted the winner of Sunday’s Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal.
Known as “Oracle Whiskers,” Nimbus has gained a reputation in Europe for correctly picking football results, including the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh