Cole Palmer sent off for Chelsea against Tottenham in Premier League after second yellow
Cole Palmer was sent off for Chelsea against Tottenham Hotspur in West London during a Premier League match on October 24, 2026, after referee Chris Kavanagh issued a second yellow card that became a red. The dismissal followed an earlier incident in which Palmer had avoided a red for a challenge on Mateus Fernandes.
Rain in West London played a part in events when 21-year-old Mike Penders saw the ball go into his own net to give Tottenham the lead, and Fernandes then went to ground among the commotion and handled the ball. Palmer, who had survived a red card for clattering Mateus Fernandes, reacted angrily and became involved in a scramble that involved players from both teams.
Five minutes later Palmer committed a late, high tackle, hitting former Chelsea teammate Conor Gallagher on the ankle/shin with his studs as Gallagher brought down a Spurs free-kick; referee Chris Kavanagh handed a second yellow card which turned into a red and left Chelsea with 10 men. The red card therefore followed directly from the studs-up challenge on Gallagher after the earlier incident involving Fernandes.
Gary Neville criticised Palmer’s behaviour during live commentary, saying, "Cole Palmer’s lost his head in these last few minutes," and adding, "He was lucky to avoid a red card earlier, and that one is a no-brainer. To do that five minutes after the challenge on Fernandes is just silly. He sticks his studs in, he knows exactly what he is doing. Naughty, really naughty." Palmer pleaded innocence as the pundit spoke.
This is a further blow for Chelsea, who were already sweating over Joao Pedro after he missed the derby with an injury that is still being examined and will be without goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for many weeks after surgery on a fractured jaw. The sending-off compounds Chelsea’s selection and fitness issues in the match.
Tottenham have now climbed to the 12th spot in the Premier League. Details of the altercation involving Palmer and Spurs players "will be revealed later."
