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Fofana was sent off | Getty Images
Dermot Gallagher has issued his verdicts on the big decisions during Chelsea’s draw with Burnley.
The likely Championship-bound Clarets fought back after Wesley Fofana had been sent off for a second yellow card, and to their credit, the Lancashire side were unlucky not to win it at the death.
The red card itself saw Fofana overstretch for the ball and catch James Ward-Prowse, and Gallagher sees sense in the decision. He told Sky Sports: “The referee sees hims stretch and thinks it's reckless For the referee, he thinks he stretches too far and catches him on the top of the foot. It's a yellow card.”
Pundit Jay Bothroyd felt Fofana was actually pretty unlucky, adding: “I think these ones are harsh. Yes, he's lunged for the ball but he's touched the ball. Where is he meant to put his foot? It's more of a foul than a yellow card. If we are giving yellows for that, we will see second yellows a lot."
Another flash point involved Tosin Adarabioyo, who some claim should have been sent off after shoved Zian Flemming. That was alcoe the correct decision, according to Gallagher, who added: “I don't think it's a red card, but it's a foul. He's not in possession of the ball and unlikely to gain possession.”
Chelsea have kept hold of fourth place for now, but they are just goal difference ahead of Liverpool, who won their game in stoppage time, though Manchester United can move back into fourth with a draw or win against Everton on Monday night.
Chelsea play Arsenal next and Aston Villa after that, so they are going to need to step things up if they want to remain in the thick of the top four race over the coming weeks.
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