Enzo Maresca’s team recorded their second Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday afternoon, as late strikes from Danny Welbeck and Maxim de Cuyper secured victory for the visitors. ..Continue Reading
Chelsea had gone ahead in the first half thanks to Enzo Fernandez’s headed effort, but were reduced to 10 men in the 53rd minute when Trevoh Chalobah was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Georginio Rutter.
It was the second straight weekend in which Chelsea had a player sent off, following Robert Sanchez’s early red card in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.
As the match grew increasingly tense in the latter stages, Caicedo narrowly avoided a booking after a reported altercation with Van Hecke, which could now lead to further consequences for Chelsea.
According to The Sun, Caicedo’s confrontation with Van Hecke may prompt an FA review after the Ecuadorian appeared to strike the Brighton player in ‘a furious fit of rage’ late in the second half.
Van Hecke was seen collapsing and writhing in pain following Caicedo’s actions, and ex-Premier League official Mark Halsey stated that the FA will investigate the matter.
Halsey, as quoted by The Sun, said: “It appears there was an act of violent conduct on Caicedo’s part but, looking at the video, it does seem inconclusive.
“And VAR looked at the footage and felt the same that it was inconclusive.
“Now, the FA will investigate, they will look at it again.
“Both clubs will be charged with failing to control their players. there’s no doubt about that, but the FA will look at this and there may be retrospective action taken against Caicedo.
“But, as I say, looking at it, it does look as though it’s inconclusive.”
The defeat extended Chelsea’s winless run in the Premier League, with the team still chasing their first top-flight victory since the September international break.
Their only triumph this month came in the EFL Cup third round—a 2-1 away win at Lincoln City—where they came from behind in the second half.
Chelsea now prepare for two consecutive home fixtures, starting with Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday, followed by a showdown with defending champions Liverpool next weekend.
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