How did these players get away with it?
After Hull City’s Maynor Figueroa somehow swerved punishment for opening up Stoke City midfielder Stephen Ireland’s leg, we take a look at other Premier League players who were lucky not to pick up suspensions this season.
Despite Jose Mourinho screeching the claim that there is a ‘campaign against Chelsea’, a number of his players feature on the list…
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Ashley Barnes vs Nemanja Matic
Burnley’s Ashley Barnes’ challenge on Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic makes for uncomfortable viewing, with the angry reaction of the Blues midfielder understood by many.
While Matic was shown a red card, referee Martin Atkinson didn’t even book Barnes for his shocking tackle, which could have ended the Serbian’s career.
Diego Costa vs Pablo Zabaleta
The Manchester City right-back was given a second yellow for this challenge on the Chelsea striker – but should Costa have also been sent down the tunnel?
The Blues forward almost unnoticeably placed his hands around the throat of Zabaleta – and certainly got lucky in not facing punishment.
Brainslav Ivanovic vs James McCarthy
Another of Mourinho’s men involved in a controversial incident. This time it was defender Branislav Ivanovic – who was unbelievably fortunate to have got away with grabbing Everton’s James McCarthy in a headlock.
Footage even suggested that the right-back may have also attempted to bite the Toffees midfielder.
Mathieu Flamini vs Diego Costa
This time Diego Costa was on the receiving end – Arsenal’s reckless midfielder, Flamini, wasn’t booked for this elbow in the face of the Blues striker – but, nonetheless, it was a naughty moment that could have seen the Gunners man punished.
Stephen Ireland vs Maynor Figueroa
Stoke City’s Ireland suffered a sickening injury after a reckless challenge from Hull City’s Figueroa, but, as Steve Bruce said after the game, the Potters midfielder could very well have been dismissed earlier in the game for this potential leg-breaker.
Ireland must now be wishing he had been sent off.
Maynor Figueroa vs Stephen Ireland
This is the challenge that horribly opened up the leg of Ireland, leaving the 28-year-old needing 10 stitches after the game.
Figueroa is set to avoid punishment over the incident.