What happens when two teams clash in a game that spirals out of control? Chaos, penalties, and a record-breaking number of yellow cards, that’s what. This past weekend witnessed the worst-behaved game in Premier League history, with Chelsea and Bournemouth players racking up a whopping 14 yellows and 1 penalty under the watchful eye of match official Anthony Taylor.
Previous record-holders for the most yellow cards in a match were Chelsea vs. Tottenham in 2016 and Wolves vs. Newcastle in 2010, both with 12 bookings. However, the spectacle at the Vitality Stadium this past weekend now holds the dubious title of the worst-behaved Premier League match ever.
Despite the intense clash, it was Chelsea who emerged victorious, thanks to Christopher Nkunku’s 80th-minute goal securing a 1-0 win. But the real story of the game lies in the dramatic moments that unfolded on the pitch, as players pushed the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
In this detailed breakdown by The Athletic, we delve into each of the 14 bookings to uncover the drama that unfolded during the match:
Booking 1, 18mins
Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie opens the floodgates with a foul on Cole Palmer, leading to the first booking of the game.
Booking 14, 90 min+6
One last punishment for dissent, then. Semenyo ensures we go out with a prolonged moan.
And that’s it. Fourteen players booked — and that’s not even including those for both head coaches, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca. Cue likely fines from the Football Association for both teams and a darkened room for Taylor to go and lie down in.
(Top photo: Robert Sanchez gets a booking; Ryan Hiscott via Getty Images)
