"Expect a Sanction!"—Ex-Referee Slams Chelsea Star’s Behaviour and Urges FIFA to Take Action After Club World Cup Clash
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett blasts Levi Colwill for calling the match official a “disgrace” during Chelsea’s Club World Cup win over Benfica – warns FIFA could hand out punishment.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is at the center of controversy after his heated outburst at the referee during the Blues’ 4-1 FIFA Club World Cup win over Benfica — and now a former top official is calling for FIFA to punish him.
Colwill exploded in anger late in the game when referee Slavko Vincic awarded a controversial penalty to Benfica deep into stoppage time. The 21-year-old centre-back reportedly shouted “disgrace” at the match official in protest, a move that earned him a yellow card on the spot.
While Chelsea went on to win the game in extra time, thanks to goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Colwill’s furious outburst could come back to haunt him.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has warned that FIFA may take a tougher stance on the defender after reviewing the footage and reports from the match.
“You may disagree with a referee, but you can’t use those words,” Hackett told Football Insider.
“All referees at the tournament speak English, so they’ll understand what’s been said.”
He added that FIFA are unlikely to ignore the widely discussed incident.
“There is a threshold that referees have, and that’s a variable, but I suspect if FIFA pick up on this incident, which they are likely to through the media, that player can expect a sanction.”
Chelsea were leading 1-0 with just minutes to go when the game took a dramatic turn. A Reece James free-kick had earlier given the Blues the lead, but after the penalty was awarded and converted by Angel Di Maria, the game went into extra time. Despite the setback, Chelsea responded with style, hammering home three more goals to seal a 4-1 victory.
However, the incident involving Colwill could overshadow the team’s strong performance. The young defender has become a key part of Enzo Maresca’s plans, but any suspension could put a dent in Chelsea’s momentum heading into their quarter-final clash against Palmeiras on July 4.
Chelsea fans will hope the issue doesn’t lead to further punishment, but Hackett’s warning has made it clear: FIFA are watching — and Colwill may not escape unscathed.
