Cole Palmer, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
Credit: Imago / Getty Images
Keith Hackett
Mon 30 June 2025 18:00, UK
Chelsea could benefit from holding behind-the-scenes talks with Cole Palmer ahead of the 2025/26 season, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that a visit from a Premier League official at Stamford Bridge could help control the players’ discipline.
Palmer picked up seven yellow cards in the league during the 2024/25 campaign, many of which were awarded due to bad discipline, time-wasting, or backing up his teammates on the pitch.
That is exactly what happened during the Blues’ 4-1 win over Benfica at the Club World Cup, with the beginnings of a mass brawl sparked after Gianluca Prestianni’s sending off.
Cole Palmer lashes out again against Benfica
Emotions were already high after Chelsea were forced to extra time for a handball decision on Malo Gusto, one which was unfairly awarded, or at least Hackett believes so.
The 19-year-old has picked up a yellow card towards the end of normal time before clashing with defender Levi Colwill, catching the player on the shin and receiving his marching orders.
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Of course, wanting to protect his teammate from harm, Palmer began shoving and pushing, which referee Slavko Vincic put a stop to immediately by brandishing a yellow card to the England international.
While he will not miss the Blues’ quarter-final clash against Palmeiras in the next round, the 23-year-old’s accumulation of cautions could be something that Maresca needs to watch out for next season.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
Enzo Maresca could have a growing concern at Chelsea. (Credit: Imago)
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Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Team dynamic comes into play. What I find amusing is that players in a pack have huge strength. It’s easy to fight a war when there are four or five others around you. When you’re by yourself, they’re a lot less confident.
“The management at Chelsea should have a quiet word with Palmer. During pre-season, if the club isn’t tracking players’ shortfalls, then bring in a referee and allow those players to see that the referees are human and allow them to ask questions.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea
Cole Palmer’s first 2 seasons at Chelsea.* (Credit: Imago) *Not including Club World Cup
“In a tournament like this, players are coming across referees from all over who have slightly different interpretations of the law. FIFA spend a great deal of time with these officials, trying to gain a consistent application of the law.”
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