Chelsea started the 2015-16 Premier League campaign with a 2-2 draw at home to Swansea City. Apart from the dropped points, the talking point from the game is the red card dished out to Thibaut Courtois.
The Belgian goal keeper charged out to stop Bafetimbi Gomis and the challenge was deemed harsh enough to warrant a red card and a penalty. The jury is out on the penalty decision – because there was enough doubt if the foul was outside the box.
But, more importantly, there seems to be unanimity on the red card decision. The decision by Michael Oliver seems to have fewer takers. Retired Premier League referee Mark Halsey thinks that Oliver may have made a mistake, though in the heat of the moment.
Obviously the decision to dish out a red card depends on the goal scoring opportunity and if the foul has denied the player of it. Looking at the distance to the goal and the likelihood of Gomis controlling the ball, there seems to be little choice than to think that it was not a scoring opportunity.
And if ever Oliver thought that no other defender would have covered the further play from Gomis – he may have made another mistake. Gary Cahill is potentially in a position to cover and in all probability would have done so.
There is enough doubt to the whole scenario and it wouldn’t have warranted a straight red card. Foul – yes, penalty – yes, red card – big question mark!
The red card would mean Courtois is set to miss the next weekend trip to Manchester City. Considering the facts, it would not be a bad decision for Jose Mourinho to appeal.
