Ex-refs chief blasts 'slow' Chris Kavanagh, says his career could suffer after Morgan Rogers controversy

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett says referee Chris Kavanagh should have sent off Morgan Rogers for a kick on Conor Gallagher in Chelsea's loss to Tottenham, warning the decision could damage Kavanagh's elite status.

Chris Kavanagh came under fire from former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett for failing to send off Chelsea's Morgan Rogers during Saturday's match against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. Rogers kicked out at Conor Gallagher in the first minute of added time while tracking back and received only a yellow card, but replays suggested a red was warranted.

Hackett told Football Insider that Kavanagh, regarded as one of Europe's elite referees alongside Michael Oliver, must be stricter to maintain that status. "If he allowed that to happen in Europe, he won't be getting many appointments," Hackett said, adding that while Kavanagh reads the game well and makes generally good decisions, his body language appears disengaged and he needs more pace and dynamism.

The incident adds to a pattern of disciplinary issues at Chelsea, who accumulated eight Premier League red cards last season—double the next-closest clubs. Cole Palmer was sent off in the same match for two bookable offences.