Chelsea star Cole Palmer escaped straight red card against Tottenham says KMI panel

The Premier League's KMI panel ruled Palmer should have received a straight red for violent conduct against Fernandes in the 70th minute, not the yellow card initially given.

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer should have been sent off ten minutes earlier than his actual dismissal against Tottenham on October 24, according to the Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel.

Following an altercation with Spurs player Mateus Fernandes in the 70th minute at Stamford Bridge, the independent KMI panel determined by a 3-2 majority that Palmer's challenge constituted violent conduct warranting a straight red card. Three panellists noted "clear contact to the head" and behaviour deemed "unnecessary, dangerous and made with excessive force". However, all five panellists agreed with VAR John Brooks's decision not to recommend an on-field review, backing the original yellow card awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh.

Palmer was ultimately dismissed in the 80th minute after receiving a second booking for a foul on Conor Gallagher. The panel also reviewed other contentious incidents from the weekend, including a potential penalty for Aston Villa against Manchester City and a set-piece decision in Coventry's match against Fulham.