Why Cole Palmer Could Have Faced Three-Game Chelsea Ban After Premier League Panel Review

Cole Palmer was fortunate to escape a three-match suspension following Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, with the Premier League's Key Match Incident Panel (KMI) ruling that the midfielder should have been sent off for violent conduct.

The Chelsea midfielder was booked in the 71st minute following an altercation with Mateus Fernandes and was then sent off just nine minutes later for leaving a foot in on former Blue Conor Gallagher, resulting in a second bookable offence.

As Palmer was dismissed for a second bookable offence rather than violent conduct, he received a one-match suspension, ruling him out of Chelsea's League Cup defeat to Liverpool.

The 24-year-old returned for the following game and scored a penalty in the 2-0 victory over Manchester United, his 50th Premier League goal for the Blues.

The KMI consists of five independent members: three former players or coaches, one representative from the league and another from the referees' organisation, Pro Ref.

The panel ruled that Palmer's challenge on Fernandes constituted violent conduct, citing "clear contact to the head" and the use of "excessive force". The panel voted in favour of a red card by 3-2.

Despite believing Palmer should have been sent off, the panel unanimously agreed that VAR was correct not to intervene, as the original decision did not meet the threshold for an overturn. The panel agreed unanimously, by a score of 5-0.

Had referee Chris Kavanagh dismissed Palmer for violent conduct rather than issuing a second yellow card, the Chelsea midfielder would have received a three-match suspension. That would have ruled him out of crucial Premier League fixtures against Manchester United and Sunderland, in addition to the cup tie.

The suspension could also have hampered his chances of being included in Thomas Tuchel's next England squad, which is due to be announced on November 6. England are scheduled to face Croatia at Wembley before travelling to Madrid to take on Spain in their final two UEFA Nations League fixtures.

The panel also ruled that Tottenham should have been awarded a penalty following a collision between Moises Caicedo and Dominic Solanke, believing the Chelsea midfielder had "persistently" held the Spurs forward.

Xabi Alonso’s side travel to Sunderland before the final international break of 2026, with Jarred Gillett appointed as referee. The Australian previously officiated the Blues' 6-3 League Cup victory over Leeds United earlier this season. Nick Hopton will serve as the VAR official.