Watch Antonio Rudiger escape red card after lunging tackle on Tariq Lamptey during Chelsea’s clash with Brighton
THIS is the moment Antonio Rudiger escaped a possible red card for a lunging tackle on Tariq Lamptey.
Rudiger made the suspect leap during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Romelu Lukaku’s header looked to have secured a vital win for the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
But Danny Welbeck had the final say as he came off the bench to net a late Seagulls equaliser.
However, the game was marred by an unsavoury moment involving Chelsea fan favourite Rudiger.
The defender, 28, had to react quickly when Brighton wing-back Tariq Lamptey embarked on one of his lightning-quick runs down the touchline.
The former Chelsea academy starlet looked set to peel away towards goal after getting the better of Marcos Alonso.
But Rudiger had other ideas as he came barrelling in from his central position.
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The German lunged forward with both legs out as Lamptey attempted a burst of speed to break clear.
And Rudiger wiped out his opponent completely while also making contact with the ball to put it out of play.
Incredibly, no action was taken against the experienced defender.
But football fans on Twitter were left unimpressed with the decision.
One declared: “The Rudiger assault was the clearest red ever.”
Another said: “Just seen that Rudiger tackle… never seen a more blatant red card in football.”
One observed: “How do Chelsea get away with foul after foul, and 100 per cent that Rudiger challenge is a red.”
Another added: “The Rudiger one was ludicrous. Blatant red.”
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Rudiger may not be around for much longer to make similar tackles for Chelsea, with his deal up in the summer.
The likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United are interested in snapping him up as a free agent.
But Chelsea are refusing to give up hope of a new contract despite both parties being far apart in negotiations.