Antonio Conte has backed his captain John Terry after the latter was given a straight red-card in Chelsea’s game against Peterborough in the FA Cup on Sunday.
This was Terry’s first appearance since October after he was sidelined by injury, while this was also the Blues skipper’s 50th FA Cup start.
John Terry was given his marching orders in the 67th minute when he made a tackle on Lee Angol.
Chelsea were cruising to a win with a scoreline of 3-0, but Tom Nichols pulled one back.
However, Pedro scored his second goal of the match to seal the win for the Blues.
Conte said, “I think the decision wasn’t right,” said the Italian. “Firstly, he didn’t take the opponent and secondly behind John was [Branislav] Ivanovic to cover.”
“It’s a pity when this happens. When you get a red card it’s not good, you have to respect the referee’s decision, but in this case maybe we will appeal because the situation is very clear, John didn’t deserve this.”
Earlier in the day, Chelsea had announced that they had re-called Nathan Ake from Bournemouth.
Conte commented, “I called him back because I think he’s showing that he’s ready to stay in the squad of Chelsea. Chelsea is his home,” he said.
“In the last season he played with Watford, and this season he was with Bournemouth. He’s shown he deserves to stay at a great team like Chelsea. I’m pleased he’s come back.”
“Ake gives me an important option because we are playing with three central defenders. He can play on the left and in the middle. It’s important to see in training sessions if he can also play wing-back.”
Batshuayi started for the Premier League leaders and scored a goal while also assisting one.
Conte said on the player, “Michy played a good game. During the game he stayed with our philosophy and idea of football. He showed me great commitment and work-rate and it’s always important for a forward’s confidence to score.”
