“He still play like a kid” “Don’t ruin your Football career” – Mikel Obi slams Chelsea star after his strange ‘Cheating’ in 3-0 win over Aston Villa
During Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League victory against Aston Villa, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke was accused by Chelsea veteran Mikel Obi of “trying to cheat” referee Stuart Atwell.
In the 71st minute, Madueke replaced Jadon Sancho off the bench as the Blues led 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. Cole Palmer’s goal in the 83rd minute was the winger’s first Premier League assist of the year.
Atwell did, however, give Madueke a booking for diving near the touchline in the closing minutes of the match. In a 1v1 down the right, the 22-year-old defeated Pau Torres, but the Villa defender clipped him.
After going down, Madueke was penalised for diving, a decision that left the Chelsea star confused at the decision. Replays showed Madueke go past Torres before having his foot clipped by the Spain international.
On Monday morning, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher and Warnock discussed whether the decision was the right one. After agreeing that Villa’s Jaden Philogene was correctly booked for simulation in the first-half, the pair had different views on Madueke.
Speaking on SUnday, Mikel Obi said: “The referee has committed, hasn’t he? It’s the same offence and he’s committed a similar action. Is it trying to get a penalty? No, but is it trying to deceive the referee to get a free-kick?
“I think once the referee has laid his flag down [with Philogene] and said this is what he’s not going to accept, he’s almost duty bound to give the second one.”
Mikel was more critical of Madueke, questioning his influence on grassroots football. “It is [different to Philogene’s] because you’re still kidding on and still trying to cheat,” he said.
“We’re talking about being role models for the grassroots players and making sure they do the right thing. We don’t want to see that in the game. I don’t know why he decided to go down. He was past Torres so it was a strange one. Don’t ruin your Football career just play your football and see how good you’re.”