BEVERLY HILLS, May 25, (THEWILL) – The red card issued to Cesar Azpilicueta during Chelsea’s final day defeat by Aston Villa has been rescinded by the Football Association after review.
THEWILL recalls that a late challenge by Villa’s Jack Grealish caused the Blues defender to react angrily, making contact with the Villa Captain’s face while both men were on the ground before pushing Grealish.
The Referee Stuart Attwell went straight to his pocket and brandished a red card. The decision was among other decisions of the referee that got the censuring of Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel after the match, including the decision to award Villa a penalty in the first period.
The overturning of the red card implies Azpilicueta will no longer have to miss the start of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, at least the first three games, which the red card would have merited, if it stood.
The FA statement rescinding the referee’s decision read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has removed Cesar Azpilicueta’s three-match suspension following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal. The Chelsea FC defender was dismissed for violent conduct during the Premier League fixture against Aston Villa FC on Sunday.”
This comes as some piece of good news for the Spaniard as he was named in the Spain squad for Euro 2020 on Monday. In addition, despite their defeat, Chelsea ended up securing a top four spot as a result of Tottenham Hotspur’s victory over Leicester City.
Tuchel’s coming has made the difference for Azpilicueta, after not featuring regularly under Frank Lampard. There have been only two games that Azpilicueta has missed since the German took over in January.
However, the biggest challenge of his career awaits the Blues captain, the UEFA Champions League final against fellow EPL side Manchester City on Saturday. Although competition for places is fierce, Azpilicueta will be assured of keeping his position at right wing-back with Reece James impressing as part of Tuchel’s back three at the moment.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
