Chelsea supporters on social media responded to Ethan Ampadu’s dubious sending off yesterday for Venezia.
Ampadu came on a substitute last night for the Venetians in their home Serie A fixture against Salernitana.
But the Wales international’s evening last just seven minutes after he received a straight red card for a tackle on Franck Ribery (not a typo).
The 21-year-old was forced into a stretching interception on Ribery following a loose pass from his teammate.
VAR uproar
On first glance, the challenge seemed completely acceptable and well-timed.
On second glance, the challenge seemed completely acceptable and well-timed.
Yet, this was not the view of VAR, who deemed Ampadu’s attempt worthy enough of an early bath, as he apparently denied a goalscoring opportunity.
This decision from the video assistant did not go down well on Twitter.
Especially from a Chelsea standpoint, who were totally miffed by Ampadu’s dismissal.
Here’s how they reacted:
No way a red brilliant tackle absolutely horrendous decision
— CFC_G32 (@Chelsea326) October 26, 2021
Terrible decision. Wasn’t a red at all
— Bane (@BaneCfc) October 26, 2021
horrible decision from the ref there is no way ribery gets past him
— Huncho (@24sHuncho) October 26, 2021
Watch the game or don’t comment. Never a red. Never even a freekick
— M1905 (@CFC_M20) October 26, 2021
Not the first time this year that Ampadu has been sent off for absolutely nothing. Almost like a pattern? https://t.co/NZ0EjoBAzO
— πeel ⭐⭐ (@neeeelinho) October 26, 2021
Ethan Ampadu has been sent off for……..well, a perfectly timed tackle, VAR confirmed it too, you couldn’t make it up https://t.co/LoGikpjFNZ
— At The Bridge Pod ⭐️⭐️ (@AtTheBridgePod) October 26, 2021
Never a red
— Mert⭐️⭐️ (@MartinKidd228) October 26, 2021
Ampadu on the road
Life in Venice had been going pretty swimmingly up until that point for Ampadu.
In his first three starts, the versatile defender helped the team to a pair of a draws and a victory.
He then grabbed an assist in the 3-1 defeat to Sassuolo, his first in senior football since 2016 according to Transfermarkt.
However, there has been an unhappy theme running throughout Ampadu’s Italian tenure.
His five Venezia appearances have been accompanied by four yellow cards and now a red.
Admittedly, the latest booking should not be on the record.
However, the general discipline will need working on if he is to break back into Chelsea’s squad.