Fans jokingly dub referee Michael Salisbury ‘our old PE teacher’ after hilarious gaffe in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Palace

REFEREE Michael Salisbury was compared by fans to “our old PE teacher” after an hilarious gaffe at Stamford Bridge.

The experienced official took charge of Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace last night.

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Crystal Palace star Chris Richards received a huge scare before he was booked at Chelsea[/caption]

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Ref Michael Salisbury accidentally showed him a red card after a foul[/caption]

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He soon realised his error and and correctly issued him a yellow one[/caption]

Mykhailo Mudryk gave the Blues an early lead before the Eagles levelled through Michael Olise.

And it looked set to be another frustrating night for Mauricio Pochettino’s side before they secured the three points in the 89th-minute.

VAR spotted Eberechi Eze had fouled substitute Noni Madueke inside the area, and the Chelsea star dusted himself off to rifle home and claim the win.

However, 21-year-old winger Madueke had earlier been involved in a highly-amusing moment on 73 minutes.

The England U21 ace picked up the ball in his own half and raced forward as three Palace defenders tried to keep up with him.

Unable to do so, Eagles ace Chris Richards decided to take one for the team as he tripped Madueke right on the halfway line.

Despite several more opposition players still to beat, the foul on Madueke was definitely worthy of a caution – but Richards received an almighty scare.

Having awarded the free-kick, ref Salisbury reached in his pocket to caution the USA international, but he accidentally pulled out a red card instead.

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He waved it, much to the shock of Richards, only to quickly realise his error and instead correctly bring out the yellow while chuckling at his mistake.

The game was being broadcast live by Amazon Prime, and after they shared the clip on social media, fans were quick to troll the Lancashire-based referee.

“That’s like when you try to pay for a beer with your nectar card,” wrote one supporter.

“Absolutely hilarious,” commented another one.

“Our old PE teacher,” said a third as a fourth added: “Richards s*** himself!”

Fortunately for Richards he did stay on the pitch and that means that he will be available for Palace’s final game of 2023 at home to Brentford on Saturday.

Chelsea will also be in action on the same day when they look to secure a second-straight top-flight victory when they travel to Luton.

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