Chelsea vs Arsenal VAR and referee accused of breaking golden rule | Football | Sport
Former Chelsea and Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge has suggested that a golden VAR rule was breached during the decision-making process for Moises Caicedo’s red card in Chelsea‘s Premier League match against Arsenal. The Blues midfielder was shown a red card for a late tackle on Mikel Merino, with VAR intervening after referee Anthony Taylor initially brandished a yellow card.
Sturridge subtly criticised the use of the technology on Sky Sports, despite agreeing that the correct decision had been reached. He commented: “When you see it slowed down, it looks nasty. Initially the referee makes a decision to give him a yellow card. And they’ve re-reffed it.
“They’ve gone with VAR. When you see it slowed down its a red card. It’s not so bad in full speed.
“When you look at the challenge slowed down, it makes the referee’s mind up for him. When you go to the screen and see that slowed down, that’s a red.”
Earlier, Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith had noted: “They’re having a long look at it. He’s come in at some speed and some force. “Well this could be the crucial moment in this contest. It’s important they show it at full speed.
“He missed the ball by a split second, but he comes at it with some force, and his straight leg is what they are usually concerned about. He’s going to be fortunate if he stays on the pitch here.”
The Premier League themselves weighed in shortly after Caicedo’s dismissal, with Taylor also providing an explanation for the upgraded card.
A statement from the Premier League Match Centre on X stated: “#CHEARS – 34′ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Caicedo and issued a red card for serious foul play.
“Referee announcement: “After review, Chelsea 25, makes a challenge with excessive force and endangers the safety of the opponent, therefore my final decision is red card. “”.
Despite playing with 10 men, Chelsea took the lead when Trevoh Chalobah cleverly headed home a Reece James corner.
However, Mikel Merino drew the sides level soon after, nodding past Robert Sanchez from a Bukayo Saka cross.
Following Caicedo’s sending off, Piero Hincapie was perhaps fortunate not to see red also after catching Chalobah with a stray elbow.
Another foul by the Ecuadorian on Joao Pedro prompted further protests, but referee Taylor opted not to produce his red card on this occasion.
