Pedro Neto is facing growing criticism after his red card in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. Softfootball gathered that Neto received his first yellow card in the 67th minute for dissent after remonstrating with referee Darren England.
Some opinions suggest Neto may not have been aware he had been booked, a claim that has sparked debate.
Just three minutes later, in the 70th minute, Neto committed a heavy sliding tackle on Gabriel Martinelli to stop a counter-attack. He was shown a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal.
Softfootball understands, the red card marked Chelsea’s ninth of the 2025/26 season. With that, Chelsea have officially equalled the Premier League record for most red cards in a single campaign.
They now share that unwanted record with:
- Queens Park Rangers F.C. (2011–2012 season)
- Sunderland A.F.C. (2008–2009 season)
It is a historic but unwanted milestone, raising serious concerns about discipline, composure, and game management within the Chelsea squad this season.
