Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca, has opened up on the controversial referee decision that went against his side during their UEFA Champions League 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

Speaking after the heated clash at the Allianz Arena, Maresca revealed the shocking explanation referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez gave regarding Chelsea’s red card appeal.

The drama unfolded when Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Tah fouled Chelsea forward Joao Pedro in the build-up to Cole Palmer’s goal. Maresca strongly believed that Tah should have been sent off, but to his frustration, the referee only issued a yellow card.

Expressing his anger in his post-match interview, Maresca stated:

“For me, it’s a clear red card. I’ve also said before in the Premier League — when there’s no intention to play the ball, and only the intention to kick another player, it should be a straight red.”

The Italian tactician then revealed what the referee told him during the heated argument:

“The referee said to me that it was not hard or aggressive enough. But in any case, you try — so what, do they need to see blood before giving a red card? If the intention is there, for me it’s a red without any doubt.”

Despite the Champions League setback, Maresca is now focused on the Premier League fixture against Manchester United on Saturday, hoping his team can bounce back with a vital win.