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Chelsea set UNWANTED Premier League record
Chelsea will be hit with a £75,000 fine after becoming the first team in Premier League history to be branded six or more yellow cards in three games.
The Blues faced Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and goals from Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson saw off the Magpies in a 2-1 win. It was a feisty affair, with referee Simon Hooper handing out yellow cards to six players and head coach Enzo Maresca.
Wesley Fofana was booked 11 minutes into the game, and then Romeo Lavia was shown a yellow before after half-time. This followed Noni Madueke, Robert Sanchez, and Pedro Neto, who all received bookings in the final 10 minutes.
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And into injury time, Maresca and Christopher Nkunku were given bookings also.
Chelsea have struggled to maintain discipline this season, with six or more players booked in consecutive matches against Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest. Following their September victory over Bournemouth, Chelsea faced a £25,000 fine from the FA, which then increased to £50,000 after their game against Forest.
The FA confirmed this latest fine, issuing a statement: “Chelsea will receive a £75,000 fine after six or more players were cautioned in today’s match, marking their third multi-player misconduct offense this season.”
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During the game, Palmer’s early goal was disallowed after a VAR review, but Jackson soon broke the deadlock with a goal in the 18th minute. Newcastle's Alexander Isak equalized shortly after with a close-range finish, only for Palmer to seal Chelsea’s victory later in the match with a precise strike from just inside the box.
Maresca on Newcastle win
Maresca said via Sky Sports after the game. "It was a different kind of game compared to the rest. We know how strong they are and how good they are. We had some good moments on the ball, very happy overall," he said.
"I am always concerned. We can attack better and defend better. We started three months ago so I am very happy where we are now. The important thing is the feeling is good. We play nine games already. I am not looking at the table at the moment.
"If you do that sometimes you can be confused. The players are understanding every day what we are working for. The fans can enjoy and dream. Us as a club and as players, we need to understand there are many things we can do better."