Gary Neville blasts Cole Palmer As Chelsea Blues fall to Spurs

Chelsea Blues suffered a rare defeat at Stamford Bridge as Tottenham Hotspur secured a win, a feat not achieved in 36 years. The loss was compounded by Cole Palmer’s dismissal after two quick yellow cards, a decision Gary Neville described as the forward ‘losing his head’.

The incident was reported by Liam Morgan, assistant, on 24 October 2026.

Neville's criticism of Palmer

Chelsea’s trouble began when stand‑in goalkeeper Mike Penders inadvertently punched the ball into his own net from a corner, giving Spurs the lead. Seven minutes later, Palmer was shown a yellow card after charging into Mateus Fernandes, who had been penalised for a deliberate handball. Ten minutes after his first booking, Palmer received a second yellow for a challenge on Conor Gallagher, which Neville labelled a ‘very naughty’ tackle.

‘Cole Palmer has lost his head. "To do that five minutes after the challenge on Fernandes is just silly," Neville said. ‘He sticks his studs in on him, he knows exactly what he’s doing. It is naughty, very naughty.’

Rogers' booking and future implications

Spurs extended their advantage when Mathys Tel scored a sensational solo effort five minutes from full‑time, doubling the lead. The victory marked only the second time in 36 years that Tottenham have won at Stamford Bridge.

In the dying moments, Morgan Rogers was booked for kicking Gallagher. Neville argued the challenge warranted a red card, saying, ‘I think that’s a red. I do.’ He added that Xabi Alonso needs to get his side off the pitch.

Despite the dismissal, Palmer will be available for Chelsea’s next league match at home to Manchester United on Saturday, as his suspension will be served in the Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool on Wednesday. The Blues will look to bounce back under manager Xabi Alonso.