Enzo Maresca has explained why he received a yellow card against Newcastle, leading to his suspension for Chelsea’s match against Aston Villa.

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, has revealed why he was booked during the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United, resulting in his one-match touchline ban. Maresca expressed frustration with the referee’s decision, stating that he was complaining about inconsistent foul calls.

The Italian manager felt that Newcastle players committed similar fouls without receiving yellow cards, while his own players were booked. “I was complaining just because the same foul was a yellow card for us, and they did exactly the same foul three times,” Maresca explained.

Maresca’s third yellow card of the season means he’ll miss Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa on December 27. His assistant, Willy Caballero, is likely to take charge in his absence. The former Chelsea goalkeeper has experience in charge, having led the team to a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest earlier this season.

The ban is a blow for Chelsea, who are looking to gain points on Villa, currently in third place. Maresca’s team showed resilience in the second half against Newcastle, coming back from 2-0 down to earn a point.

Reece James’s brilliant free kick and Joao Pedro’s equalizer salvaged a draw for Chelsea, but the result leaves them eight points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.