LATEST NEWS: A Premier League record was shattered during the Bournemouth vs Chelsea match, with Anthony Taylor at the center of fresh controversy.
Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth set a new Premier League record for the most yellow cards in a single match. Referee Anthony Taylor issued 14 yellow cards in total, with Chelsea receiving eight. The cautioned players for the Blues were Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Nicolas Jackson, Levi Colwill, Jadon Sancho, Renato Veiga, and Joao Felix.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca also received a booking during what turned out to be a controversial evening. Despite the number of cards, many fans questioned Taylor’s decisions, noting that the game itself was not overly aggressive.
Taylor’s refereeing has come under scrutiny before, as he was demoted to the Championship last season following a contentious decision to award Newcastle United a penalty against Wolverhampton. Wolves manager Gary O’Neill labeled the call “scandalous.”
Chelsea, facing a possible FA fine for failing to control their players, may not be overly concerned given their 1-0 victory at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth had the chance to take the lead when Sanchez fouled Evanilson in the first half, but the goalkeeper redeemed himself with an excellent penalty save.
While Bournemouth created several chances, it was Chelsea’s late substitutes, Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku, who combined to secure the win for the visitors. Nkunku’s famous balloon celebration fortunately did not result in a yellow card.
Chelsea will return to action next Saturday, facing West Ham United in a London derby.