The referee has now been appointed for Chelsea’s next fixture in the EFL Cup against Wolves, and Malo Gusto will have bad memories of playing games with him as the official.
The Blues have shot themselves in the foot when it comes to refereeing decisions this season by picking up a total of five red cards already, four of them to players.
Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah’s sendings off cost Chelsea games against Manchester United and Brighton respectively, while Enzo Maresca saw red for his wild celebrations after the win over Liverpool.
Malo Gusto’s sending off was the most unnecessary. The Frenchman picked up his second yellow card when the Blues were already 3-0 up against Nottingham Forest.
Malo Gusto during Chelsea vs Benfica
Photo by Steve Bardens – AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea vs Wolves referee has previously sent off Malo Gusto
He has served his suspension in the defeat to Sunderland, and will be back in contention for the EFL Cup tie against Wolves.
That game on Wednesday night will be officiated by Australian referee Jarred Gillett, his first time refereeing Chelsea this season.
He last took charge of a Blues game in February, when he was in charge of a 2-1 victory for Brighton in the FA Cup.
One of his previous games involving Chelsea saw him send Gusto off against Aston Villa back in September 2023, with Ollie Watkins going on to score the decisive goal just minutes later.
Given the really poor disciplinary record the Blues have so far this season, they will need to avoid getting on the referee’s bad side to keep their hopes alive at a first trophy of the campaign.
Jarred Gillett issues a yellow card during Aston Villa v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca expected to ring the changes for Wolves vs Chelsea
With Premier League and Champions League games coming thick and fast, the Blues will welcome the chance at some rotation to the first team squad.
Gusto is likely to start in place of Reece James, who again got through another 90 minutes seemingly unharmed against Sunderland.
Elsewhere, expect starts for Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos after they had to wait patiently from the bench for their opportunities to make their mark at the weekend.
The Blues should ensure they take this competition seriously from this point on now. They haven’t won the EFL Cup since Diego Costa and John Terry’s goals in the final against Tottenham 10 years ago.