Premier League Panel admits error to not give star straight red card

Premier League panel admits referee Chris Kavanagh erred in showing Palmer only yellow for a clash with Fernandes; three of five panellists said it should have been straight red for violent conduct.

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has confirmed that Chelsea's Cole Palmer should have been sent off with a straight red card during the London derby against Tottenham on October 24, rather than receiving a yellow for his collision with Spurs defender Mateus Fernandes.

Palmer was initially booked after barging into Fernandes following the defender's handball that prevented him running clear. Three of the five panellists deemed the contact to Palmer's head "unnecessary, dangerous and made with excessive force" and worthy of violent conduct dismissal. Two panellists supported referee Kavanagh's on-field decision, viewing it as aggressive but without excessive force. All five agreed VAR was correct not to intervene given a yellow was awarded.

Palmer eventually received his marching orders for a second yellow card later in the match for a mis-timed challenge on Conor Gallagher. The panel also found Aston Villa should have been awarded a penalty in their win over Manchester City when Elliot Anderson brought down Johan Manzambi in the box.