Ex-refs chief: Pedro Neto deserved to be sent off for 'violent attack' in Mexico vs Portugal
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Credit: Azteca 7 / Imago Mon 30 March 2026 12:15, UK Pedro Neto was fortunate to escape a red card as the Chelsea winger featured in a goalless draw between Mexico and Portugal.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that both he and Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo should have been sent off on Sunday, 29 March.In the 54th minute, Gallardo and Neto clashed off the ball, finally being separated by the referee and teammates, in what was supposed to be a friendly fixture ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Liam Rosenior will want his players firing on all cyclinders as Chelsea prepare to face Port Vale, but what is a concerning sight for the new manager is experienced stars being unable to control their emotions. ⚽ Chelsea Matchday⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Chelsea fixture at Stamford Bridge. VISIT THE CHELSEA MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Pedro Neto escapes proper punishment after lashing outRed cards have stacked up at Stamford Bridge this season, and while Neto is currently away on international duty, Hackett does not see these scenes as a positive for the sport.Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “He should have walked, shouldn’t he?
There are two red-card offences there, and Pedro Neto is more aggressive. “Jesus Gallardo has attempted to defend himself, but in doing so, he’s used his forehead, so both of them deserved to be sent off.
Chelsea’s Premier League red cardsNo. of red cardsMoises Caicedo1Marc Cucurella1Wesley Fofana1Robert Sanchez1Trevoh Chalobah1Malo Gusto1Pedro Neto1“It was an off-the-ball, violent attack, so both should have walked. Another friendly match, but when will referees learn that these don’t exist?” Liam Rosenior should be concerned by Chelsea disciplineHackett was furious that Neto wasn’t fined against PSG after clashing with a ball boy at the Parc des Princes, not even being cautioned for his actions on the pitch.Of course, it has been a running theme for the Blues this season, with seven different players being sent off in the Premier League, while Joao Pedro was also given his marching orders in Europe.The build-up of contentious incidents should be a concern for Rosenior, one that needs addressing as soon as possible, something which Enzo Maresca was unable to do. 🦁 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Chelsea Insider Access Get the full story from Stamford Bridge and Cobham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from West London.