Chelsea will have to play for nearly a half-hour with ten men, thanks to a red card picked up by right back Branislav Ivanovic. On a counter-attack by Manchester United, Ashley Young was nearly clean through on goal when he went down on the edge of the penalty area. Ivanovic was attempting to win back the ball and was the last man back. Referee Mark Clattenburg believed there was sufficient contact to warrant a foul, and sent off Ivanovic for denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Branislav Ivanovic sees straight red for a last man challenge
If Ivanovic made contact with young’s legs, the decision was a correct one. However, the contact appeared to be minimal, if there was any contact at all. Young went down as if he’d been shot, which won’t do much for his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most notorious divers.
Wayne Rooney curled the ensuing free kick just over the bar, missing a chance to put United ahead, but they should have quite a few more of those before the match is done.
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