Moises Caicedo sent off for horror tackle on Arsenal star during fiery London derby

Red Card Drama in London Derby

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was sent off after a reckless challenge on Arsenal’s Mikel Merino during their heated clash on Sunday. The incident occurred late in the first half and immediately drew strong reactions from players and fans alike.

The Incident

Referee Anthony Taylor initially showed Caicedo a yellow card but upgraded it to red after consulting the VAR monitor. The tackle, which left Merino in visible pain, was deemed dangerous and excessive. Arsenal players surrounded the referee, demanding stronger punishment before the decision was finalized.

Reaction from Both Sides

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino appeared frustrated by the call, insisting it was “a harsh decision for a moment of passion.” Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, however, stated that “the rules are clear when studs go that high — safety must come first.” The sending-off left Chelsea to play with ten men for the rest of the match.

Match Context

Before the dismissal, Chelsea had looked composed and organized, keeping Arsenal under pressure. After Caicedo’s expulsion, momentum shifted toward Arsenal, who dominated possession and pushed for a winning goal. The match atmosphere remained tense until the final whistle.

“It’s never good to see tackles like that — Moises went in too strong,” commented a former Premier League referee on TV analysis.

Author Summary

Moises Caicedo’s red card for a reckless tackle on Arsenal’s Mikel Merino turned a balanced derby into a tense and controversial contest, reigniting debate over dangerous play in English football.

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The Sun The Sun — 2025-11-30

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