‘He went apoplectic’ – Jean-Philippe Mateta branded ‘very lucky’ to avoid red card against Chelsea

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Aug 17, 2025 - 20:53

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‘He went apoplectic’ – Jean-Philippe Mateta branded ‘very lucky’ to avoid red card against Chelsea

Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta was ‘very lucky’ no to be handed a red card in their 0-0 draw with Chelsea.

That’s the view of Arsenal legend Perry Groves who was watching the match for talkSPORT.

Maresca and Glasner disagreed over an incident that could have seen Mateta given a second yellow[/caption]

The game had already seen one controversial incident with Eberechi Eze having a thunderous free-kick disallowed.

A VAR check by referee deemed teammate Marc Guehi to be within one metre of the Chelsea wall.

There had been confusion with many believing it to have been for Guehi pushing Moises Caicedo.

But on-pitch, speaking to fans on the tannoy, Mr England confirmed it was for Guehi’s proximity to the defending wall.

He said: “After review, away number six is less than one metre away from the wall as the shot is taken.

“Therefore, it’s an indirect free kick and a disallowed goal.”

Another incident before half-time saw Palace denied a penalty when Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez appeared to punch Guehi in the head while trying to reach the ball.

But Groves insisted ‘it could have gone either way’

Later in the match, though, is when Groves believes Crystal Palace got away with a decision as Mateta was allowed to remain on the pitch.

The Eagles striker appeared to step on Caicedo having already received a caution for a challenge on Josh Acheampong.

Acheampong did superbly up against Mateta. who was involved in several physical battles[/caption]

An alleged stamp from Mateta on Caicedo, though, caused some controversy[/caption]

talkSPORT reporter Alfie Reynolds asked Groves: “Is he lucky to not get a second yellow card?

And the ex-Arsenal man replied: “I don’t think he clipped him. I actually think his studs are up and he’s caught him on his ankle.”

“Enzo Maresca is in the world’s smallest technical area isn’t he? So he managed to stay in it, luckily enough, but he just went apoplectic, which we can understand.

“100 per cent that is a yellow card and I know that the PGMOL said not every foul is a second yellow card – and I agree with them – but that 100 per cent is and Mateta is a very, very lucky man.”

Eberechi Eze’s last game for Crystal Palace?

Eze was certainly unlucky to see his goal disallowed and it would have been a perfect send off too.

The Eagles star looks set to cross the Thames and join Tottenham in the coming days after what looked like an emotional goodbye to fans after the final whistle.

Eze looks set to be a Spurs player later in the window

Spurs are yet to have an official bid accepted but it’s believed the player is keen on the move and has even told some of their players he’s likely to join.

Reports suggest Crystal Palace have approached Leicester to sign Bilal El Khannouss as they look to replace the England international.

The Moroccan joined the Foxes last summer for £19million but could now be set for an immediate Premier League return having looked impressive in a struggle team who were eventually relegated.