Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Andy Madley has been appointed as the referee for Chelsea’s Premier League clash on Friday with West London rivals Brentford.
Xabi Alonso will be keen to see his side return to winning ways in the league, after the defeat against Arsenal and the underwhelming draw at Stamford Bridge against Hull City.
The Chelsea attack has not found it difficult to hit the ground running this summer, however there are major issues regarding the defence. The Blues suffered for not having Maxence Lacroix in their starting side at the weekend.
Newcastle United v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Andy Madley appointed to first Chelsea game since Newcastle controversy
The club will believe refereeing decisions have not gone their way throughout this season. There were calls for a Gabriel red card when he kicked Emi Martinez in the face at the Emirates.
The second West London derby will be officiated by Andy Madley, his first time taking charge of a Chelsea game this season. Nick Hopton and Craig Taylor will be his assistants, while Jarred Gillett will be overlooking VAR.
Madley last refereed a Chelsea game on December 20, 2025, in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United where they fought back from 2-0 down.
In between Reece James and Joao Pedro’s goals, Trevoh Chalobah bundled Anthony Gordon to the ground in the penalty area, although Madley decided not to give a penalty.
Enzo Fernandez for Man City
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After the game, the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents Panel voted in favour that a penalty should have been given, and this would surely have put the game out of Chelsea’s reach.
The Blues will be hoping that any refereeing drama will not have an influence on Friday’s game, and instead will be more concerned with the fitness of some of their players going into the match.
Moises Caicedo is not expected to feature against Brentford, while there are also new doubts about Reece James and Joao Pedro after both missed Chelsea training on Tuesday.
There is optimism that both Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson could be fit enough to make their debuts, with the latter potentially facing his former club.