RIO FERDINAND has told Chelsea to fine Noni Madueke two weeks’ wages for his “disrespectful” act against Arsenal.
The winger started his side’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, having cemented his status as a first-teamer under new boss Enzo Maresca.
But Madueke struggled to make an impact down Chelsea’s right-hand side.
Arsenal left-back Jurrien Timber made sure the England international was unable to dictate play when cutting inside.
And Maresca decided enough was enough when he hauled Madueke off after the hour mark for Mykhailo Mudryk.
However, Chelsea’s talented forward was not happy with the decision.
And instead of taking his place on the bench, Madueke stormed off down the tunnel in anger.
Blues boss Maresca attempted to play down the incident by claiming it was a natural reaction.
But former Manchester United star Ferdinand reckons Madueke’s actions were a sign of disrespect.
And he feels the winger should be docked a fortnight’s wages to teach him a lesson.
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Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the ex-England defender said: “You think Danny Welbeck or Tom Cleverley or Nani are going to storm off the pitch and throw their dummy out?
“It’s a young team. Who are the experienced players who are going to go in there and say, ‘Woah, we don’t accept that here’.
“And I understand his thinking but at the same time, I don’t understand why you are doing that.
“That’s where the manager comes in, I think the manager protecting him is mad.
“And that’s why I couldn’t be in there because I couldn’t come out and play the game where you say, ‘Yeah he was in the wrong but…’
“Fined, that’s a two-week fine.”
Maresca certainly didn’t seem to have a problem with Madueke’s reaction, explaining after the Arsenal match: “The problem is when you change a player, they are never happy.
“Probably the only way to be happy is after the Wolves game where he scored a hat-trick and we changed him, so he was happy. It’s not only about Noni, it’s about all the players.
“It’s a good thing because they want to be there until the end. But in that moment, we thought in different ways, probably Pedro with Timber could be a little bit more aggressive.
“And also with Misha, so it was a tactical decision, no more than that.”
Chelsea ratings vs Arsenal
Robert Sanchez – 6
Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.
Malo Gusto – 6
Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.
Levi Colwill – 6
Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.
Romeo Lavia – 6
A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.
Noni Madueke – 6
Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.
Cole Palmer – 6
Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.
Pedro Neto – 7
Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though.
