Jean-Clair Todibo was shown a straight red card in stoppage time after a mass brawl broke out during Chelsea’s 3-2 comeback win over West Ham. The West Ham defender grabbed Joao Pedro by the neck in a chaotic scene that involved nearly every player on the pitch.
VAR Review Sees Todibo Sent Off Amidst Multiple Scuffles
The incident occurred following a late West Ham corner, which escalated into a confrontation between Pedro and Adama Traore. Traore pushed Marc Cucurella to the ground before Pedro retaliated, prompting Todibo to step in aggressively. Referee Anthony Taylor reviewed the clash on the pitch-side monitor before issuing a red card to Todibo.
Several Chelsea and West Ham players became involved in separate skirmishes across the pitch. Robert Sanchez, Callum Wilson, and Trevoh Chalobah tried to break up the confrontation, while Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes were also engaged before Alphonse Areola intervened. Todibo’s partner Konstantinos Mavropanos briefly joined the fray, but eventually the situation was calmed down.
Chelsea Complete Dramatic Comeback
Despite being 2-0 down at half-time with goals from Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, Chelsea turned the game around. Liam Delap halved the deficit before Marc Cucurella equalised. Enzo Fernandez scored the stoppage-time winner, capping a thrilling recovery for the Blues.
The red card to Todibo did not alter the outcome but highlighted the intensity and pressure of the fixture. Commentator Gary Neville described the moment: “At one point he’s got a hold on his neck and it looks like he’s trying to eat him.”
Other players involved in the incident, including Traore, Pedro, and Mavropanos, were not punished. Chelsea’s dramatic win underlined the importance of composure and resilience, with substitutes playing a crucial role in the turnaround.