Ex-refs chief stunned: Liverpool vs Chelsea incident could have caused 'mass confrontation'

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett criticised referee Darren England for not booking Chelsea's Emanuel Emegha after a reckless challenge on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in the Carabao Cup tie.

Liverpool and Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw in the Carabao Cup at Anfield on 28 October, with the tie decided on penalties. In the 71st minute, Chelsea substitute Emanuel Emegha charged into Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk without attempting to play the ball, knocking the defender to the ground.

Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett told Football Insider that Emegha's challenge was reckless and should have resulted in a yellow card. "The referee took no action for what was a very aggressive run and push that met the criteria for being reckless," Hackett said. "This could have easily caused a mass confrontation. I am surprised and disappointed that a yellow card was not issued to the Chelsea player."

Hackett praised referee Darren England's overall performance but felt the decision to not book Emegha was a significant error that could have escalated tensions between the teams.