Credit: Imago / Channel 5 / Sky Sports Premier League

Harri Burton

Mon 11 August 2025 17:25, UK

Michaeil Salisbury had no other choice when sending off Andrei Coubis during AC Milan’s defeat to Chelsea, according to Keith Hackett.

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The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Premier League referee would have been putting himself at risk after claims that a red card may not be shown due to the game being a friendly.

After just five minutes, the 21-year-old debutant had already scored an own goal before being left on his own at the back, up against Joao Pedro, and stood no chance on Sunday, 10 August.

Supporters at Stamford Bridge were shocked to see the young Romanian given his marching orders, but it was the only decision that Salisbury could have made, with his own job being under scrutiny.

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

The Blues took full advantage of the extra man, with Pedro scoring three minutes later before substitute Liam Delap buried a second-half brace, though they did lose their clean sheet to Youssouf Fofana.

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AC Milan still managed to create chances in the final third, but after an incredible Club World Cup campaign, fans are expecting even more success from their team ahead of 2025/26.

With all the attackers at Stamford Bridge, there is plenty of business still to be done, and Football Insider understands that Nicolas Jackson could push to join Newcastle United this summer.

Delap and Pedro have been incredible since coming in, with the latter helping the Blues to victory against the Serie A giants by forcing their defender into an awful mistake.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The referee’s got no option.

If that referee does not apply the law correctly, even in a friendly, he will be sanctioned by the football authorities.

There are no more friendly games. 

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side were victorious at Stamford Bridge.

The player in question needed to take much more care because he’ll miss the start of the season. 

“I can understand what the fans think, but the reality is they’re going to have to acknowledge that there are no friendlies. They’re friendlies by title, but on the field of play, in the eyes of the referee, they have to apply the law.” 

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