Chelsea FC v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Chelsea FC v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Cole Palmer has apologised to Chelsea supporters for the red card that left his side with 10 men in their 2-0 home defeat by Tottenham on Saturday. The 24-year-old described his performance as 'not good enough' in a 12-word message posted on Instagram.
Talking about his 80th-minute dismissal for a second bookable offence at Stamford Bridge, Palmer wrote on his Instagram story:
“Not good enough by me. Live and learn! Apologies. Onto the next."
Referee Chris Kavanagh showed Palmer a second yellow card for a late challenge on Conor Gallagher, who had come on as a substitute early in the second half. Palmer had been booked nine minutes earlier for barging into Mateus Fernandes after the Tottenham player handled the ball, a flashpoint that sparked a scuffle between both sets of players.
It was the first red card of Palmer’s professional career, and it came with Chelsea already trailing. Goalkeeper Mike Penders, making his first Premier League start in place of the injured Emiliano Martinez, misjudged a punch from Fernandes’s corner and turned the ball into his own net in the 77th minute.
Mathys Tel made it 2-0 in the 87th minute, carrying the ball from inside his own half before finishing low from the edge of the area.
It was only Tottenham’s second in the league at Stamford Bridge in 36 years. Chelsea, who had won their previous two league games, were booed off at full time.
Palmer had also been booked in the win at Everton the previous weekend. The defeat left Chelsea in fifth-place on the table, after having secured 13 points in eight matches.
Chelsea face two big tests against Liverpool and Manchester United next
Cole Palmer's red card means he will be banned for one match. The suspension applies across domestic competitions and Palmer will therefore miss Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool at Anfield.
After the game against Liverpool, the west London club host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Blues must make sure they don't drop points against Michael Carrick's team, who are in the midst of their worst start to a Premier League season.
Xabi Alonso will be hoping Joao Pedro returns for the clash at the weekend. The Brazilian missed the derby against Tottenham after feeling something in training on Friday.
Chelsea have given no return date for the Brazil striker, who is their leading scorer in the Premier League with five goals.