Leicester 1-2 Chelsea: Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher gives verdict on contentious decisions

Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has admitted that Leicester City were fortunate to end Saturday's Premier League fixture against Chelsea with 11 players.

On his first return to the King Power Stadium, Enzo Maresca was victorious as his Chelsea team prevailed by a 2-1 scoreline.

Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez either side of half time ensured that the Blues ended the weekend sitting in third position in the Premier League table.

Leicester boss Steve Cooper has since been sacked by the Foxes hierarchy after a game where he claimed that refereeing decisions went against his side.

Cooper was specifically referring to a penalty decision in the second half when Stephy Mavididi went down after contact with Wesley Fofana, albeit with the Chelsea defender not in a position to avoid a collision.

As well as dismissing Cooper's claims that Leicester were unfortunate not to receive a spot kick, Gallagher acknowledged that Leicester could have easily been down to 10 men in the first half.

"He lost his rag, he should be sent off."

Joe Cole believes Wilfred Ndidi is lucky to be on the pitch after his challenge on Cole Palmer 👀

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Ndidi lucky to avoid sending off

Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi went in late on Cole Palmer close to the touchline, the Nigeria international making contact with the Blues star's Achilles and not coming close to winning the ball.

The on-field referee decided that only a caution was warranted and was supported by VAR, yet Gallagher feels Ndidi should have been sent off.

Gallagher told Sky Sports News: "A better start point here is red card.

"There are a few things here. He rakes down his Achilles. He can't get the ball so that's a big thing for me.

"VAR looked and felt there wasn't intensity, and also that he caught the top of his boot."

Moments later, Boubakary Soumare was equally late, yet higher, in a challenge with Joao Felix, but Gallagher felt that a yellow card was fair punishment.

Chelsea are next in action when they face Heidenheim in the Conference League on Thursday, while Leicester make the trip to Brentford on Saturday.