It wasn’t just the thunder and lightning causing a stir at the Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night—Chelsea’s Levi Colwill added his own kind of storm on the pitch.
What should’ve been a straightforward Club World Cup match between Chelsea and Benfica turned into a near five-hour epic, complete with weather delays, VAR drama, and a fiery rant that’s now going viral for all the wrong—or maybe the right—reasons.
VAR Drama Pushes Colwill Over the Edge
With just minutes left on the clock and Chelsea leading 1–0, chaos erupted when Benfica were awarded a controversial 93rd-minute penalty.
The call came after VAR spotted a handball by Malo Gusto.
Angel Di Maria stepped up and coolly slotted it home, levelling the game and sending it into extra time.
But before the dust could settle, Chelsea defender Levi Colwill absolutely lost it at the referee.
Lip Reader Decodes Colwill’s Furious Tirade
Thanks to expert lip reader Jeremy Freeman, we now know exactly what Colwill said to referee Slavko Vincic during his outburst—and let’s just say it wasn’t PG.
According to Freeman, Colwill launched into an explicit-filled rant:
“Fing s**, you’re fing s, you’re s*** referee… disgrace.”**
His animated finger-wagging and refusal to back down were captured on video and quickly spread online.
Fans weren’t just shocked—they were impressed.
Many called the 22-year-old “proper captain material,” praising his passion even in the heat of the moment.
A Marathon Match Filled With Frustration
While the penalty alone could’ve sparked tempers, the entire match had already been a logistical nightmare.
A lightning storm in Charlotte forced a full evacuation and a 30-minute suspension—restarted every time another bolt was detected.
In total, the game was delayed nearly two hours and stretched close to five hours long.
This was just one of six weather-related stoppages in this year’s Club World Cup, all taking place across U.S. venues. Other affected matches included Auckland City vs Benfica, Red Bull Salzburg vs Pachuca, and Palmeiras vs Al Ahly, among others.
Chelsea Bounces Back in Extra Time
Despite the late equaliser and the delays, Chelsea kept their cool in extra time.
They came back with three more goals, crushing Benfica 4–1 and securing their spot in the quarter-finals against Brazil’s Palmeiras.
But even the win didn’t stop the grumbling.
Maresca Slams Tournament Conditions in the U.S.
Manager Enzo Maresca didn’t hold back in his post-match comments either.
The Italian coach slammed the weather protocols and questioned whether the U.S. was truly ready to host the 2026 World Cup.
“For me personally, it’s not football,” Maresca said.
“It’s already seven, eight, nine games that they’ve suspended.
It’s a joke. You cannot be inside. This is not the right place for this competition.”
Growing Concerns Over 2026 World Cup Host Readiness
Maresca’s comments have added fuel to growing criticism from fans and pundits alike who are questioning whether the U.S. is adequately prepared to host the upcoming World Cup.
Among the concerns: unpredictable weather, loose gun laws, a lack of strong public transportation, and a relatively shallow football culture compared to Europe or South America.
Passion vs Protocol: A Tense Night With Big Implications
Saturday night’s chaos was more than just a test of Chelsea’s stamina.
It raised questions about infrastructure, refereeing standards, and player temperament.
But if nothing else, Levi Colwill’s outburst gave fans a glimpse of a young star who’s not afraid to speak up—and fight for his team.
Even if it takes a five-hour storm delay to get there.
