FANS fumed that Morgan Rogers should have been sent off against Sunderland after footage emerged of the Chelsea star appearing to knee an opponent.

And Rogers, 24, has a contentious history with the Black Cats star involved in the incident.

The Blues lost 1-0 to a Sunderland side who began the day bottom of the Premier League table.

Things could have gotten even worse for Xabi Alonso and Co, had Rogers been penalised for a controversial moment.

During a break in play, the England international walked back into position.

In footage that has since circulated on social media, Rogers can be seen appearing to knee Trai Hume in the head.

It is not clear whether Rogers meant to do so.

Hume, 24, immediately held the back of his head – while team-mate Thomas Meunier came over to defend his colleague.

The match VAR opted against taking any action following the incident.

Commentator Don Hutchison then claimed of Rogers: “He knows exactly [what he’s doing]. When you’re walking across there as a player, you’ve only got one intention if you’re going to knee someone in the head.”

Many fans were also left seething with the incident.

One fumed on X: “That was a straight red card”.

And a second asked: “why did VAR not review this?”

A third alleged: “Morgan Rogers knows exactly what he is doing here on Trai Hume”.

Another added: “what’s the point in VAR?”

Rogers was involved in a contentious incident with Hume last season while playing for Aston Villa.

During a match in September 2025, Rogers was sent flying by Hume as Villa took on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats subsequently posted a clip of the crunching challenge to Instagram, with the caption: “Still got the ball”.

Rogers hit back on his Instagram Story, writing: “Great message to send out… dangerous tackles getting highlight reels”.

Chelsea were beaten by Sunderland on Sunday courtesy of Enzo Le Fee’s 36th minute penalty.

The result saw Alonso’s men fall 11 points off the top of the table.