Former referee warns Chelsea’s Levi Colwill could face FIFA sanction over referee confrontation

Keith Hackett, a former Premier League referee, has warned that Chelsea star Levi Colwill may be sanctioned by FIFA due to his conduct during the Blues’ recent 4-1 win against Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16.

Chelsea took the lead through a Reece James free-kick before Benfica were awarded a late penalty by VAR, which winger Angel di Maria converted to equalize.

However, Colwill was visibly unhappy with referee Slavko Vincic’s decision and was seen angrily confronting the official. Reports say the 22-year-old English defender, who received a yellow card for his behaviour, called the referee a “disgrace.”

Chelsea sealed the victory in extra time with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said, “You may disagree with a referee, but you can’t use those words. I believe all referees at the Club World Cup speak English, so they will understand what is being said.

“There is a threshold that referees have, and that is variable, but I suspect if FIFA pick up on this incident, which they are likely to through the media, that player [Colwill] can expect a sanction.”