Leicester vs Chelsea delayed as officials swap roles after rare incident

Nick Hopton and Mark Scholes began the game running the lines at the King Power Stadium, with Andy Madley the man in the middle and Leigh Doughty operating as the fourth official.

However, there was a slight change to the refereeing line-up once the officials and teams emerged for the second half.

"Lee Doughty running the line over on the far side, the fourth official," talkSPORT commentator Sam Matterface said.

"A change because of an injury to Mark Scholes. Getting ready to run the line in the Premier League.

"Not something he is used to doing so it will be interesting to see how he gets on."

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The first half was certainly a busy affair for the officials as Leicester looked to physically overwhelm Chelsea.

However, Foxes midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was rather fortunate to avoid being sent off for a nasty challenge on Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer.

Madley brandished a yellow card for Ndidi, but replays showed the Nigerian had caught Palmer on his Achilles with his studs.

VAR checked the incident but elected not to overrule Madley's original decision of a yellow card as play continued.

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It is understood Ndidi avoided further punishment as VAR deemed the challenge lacked intensity and the Leicester man came from a short distance.

However, former England international Darren Bent was left in disbelief Ndidi did not receive his marching orders.

"It's awful," Bent said on talkSPORT commentary.

"There's intent there. The ball is nowhere to be seen.

"I'm a little bit surprised they're not going over to check it. Is it endangering an opponent? Yes.

"The fact the referee isn't checking is a bit naughty. He's got away with one."

Ndidi wasn't the only Leicester player to go into Madley's book during the opening 45 minutes.

Boubakary Soumare and Oliver Skipp, who came on in the first half in place of the injured Harry Winks, had also received yellow cards.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo also picked up a yellow card in the 40th minute for dissent.