8Providing an intriguing backstory to one of football’s most talked-about events, former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has opened up about receiving a three-match ban for a controversial kick at a ball boy during a 2017 League Cup semi-final matchup with Swansea.
As opposed to the anticipated frustration, Hazard expressed a startling sense of relief over the suspension, attributing it to a major personal milestone.
With Chelsea trailing Swansea by two goals on aggregate in the heat of the semi-final second leg, Hazard was the center of attention—but not for the good kind.
In an attempt to get the ball back for a swift restart, he kicked Charlie Morgan, a 17-year-old ball boy, who was purposefully holding onto the ball, in order to waste time.
Hazard was immediately sent off for violent behavior as a result of the event; normally, this would have infuriated both players and supporters.
Hazard surprising revelation
However, Hazard, in a recent conversation with former teammate John Obi Mikel on the Obi One Podcast revealed an alternative viewpoint.
“No, not at all because after that game I came back home – saying to myself, ‘this guy is just staying on the ball and I just tried to kick the ball’, and then I get a red card?
“The funny story is my wife was just pregnant and the baby was coming now – that day. So me? Getting the red card? Three games out? Perfect. That’s the reality. Perfect holiday, thank you guys!” Hazard said, as reported by the Sun.
Hazard expressed his satisfation, highlighting how handy the suspension came, as it coincided with the timing of his wife, Natacha’s delivery period.
