Fuming Cardiff Boss Threatens to Play Under 23s Against Man City Due to Poor Officiating

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Chelsea narrowly escaped with a 2-1 win against Cardiff after a controversial second goal.

Maurizio Sarri’s side were heading for defeat after a dire performance – but managed to turn the game around late on, with the help of a few fortunate decisions.

The first came on 85 minutes when Cesar Azpilicueta scored to level the game.

From a corner, Marcos Alonso flicked the ball across the box and the Chelsea captain stooped down to head it in from a few yards – but the replay showed he was blatantly offside doing so.

The goal stood though, and things got even more frustrating for Cardiff a few minutes later.

Striker Kenneth Zohore was breaking towards goal when he was brought down by Antonio Rudiger, who appeared to be the last man.

Rather than sending him off, referee Craig Pawson only showed a yellow card.

Minutes later, Chelsea went down the other end and scored. The game finished 2-1 and left Cardiff boss Neil Warnock fuming at full-time.

It’s hardly surprising though, given that refereeing decisions swung the game in favour of the visitors.

During his post-match press conference, the Bluebirds manager hit out at Premier League officials, branding them as the worst in the game.

Cardiff City v Chelsea FC - Premier League

“The biggest and best league in the world but probably the worst officials at the minute,” Warnock said.

“Against the big teams, you have to have VAR because you don’t get the big decisions.

“The equalising goal is the winning goal really, and if you can’t see across the line and see offside I don’t know why we are in the game.”

As well as making his feelings towards referees clear, a raging Warnock also suggested he could start Cardiff’s U23s against Manchester City midweek – because he says it doesn’t matter who plays.

“We keep getting knock-backs. I will probably play the U23s on Wednesday against Manchester City and try to keep it down to 10 or 11,” Warnock said post-match.

“It doesn’t matter who you play at the minute, it is who has a flag in his hand and who has a whistle.

“I’ve had one kick in the teeth after another this season and the players have as well. But we’ve always bounced back. So we’ll probably play the U23s at City and get ready for Burnley.”

It’s quite unlikely that Warnock will be able to field a weakened team on Wednesday, considering the Premier League set a precedent back in 2010 after Mick McCarthy did something similar.

Cardiff City v Chelsea FC - Premier League

Wolves were hit with a £25,000 fine when he made 10 changes to the team that played Manchester United – and if Warnock did the same, his decision could have massive implications on the title race.

Cardiff’s U23s would undoubtedly lose to Pep Guardiola’s City and three points would see them leapfrog Liverpool and go top.

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