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Fans have been left perplexed by the bizarre three-word message VAR Graham Scott gave to referee Rob Jones after the official rejected the decision of a red card review for the first time in Premier League history during Chelsea’s clash with Bournemouth.
Chelsea had led at Stamford Bridge for the first-half on the heels of a sumptuous Cole Palmer goal within the opening 15 minutes, but were pinned back by Bournemouth after Justin Kluivert struck home a penalty five minutes after the restart.
As the hosts sought to get back on top, Marc Cucurella on the left flank was keen to spur on an attack but was brought down by David Brookes in his own half with a challenge which appeared to involve the Bournemouth midfielder pulling the Spain international’s hair.
While commentators likened the gesture to a wrestling clothesline action, Jones did not originally punish the incident, but was instead advised to consult the pitchside monitor by the VAR team over potential violent conduct.
After a lengthy wait in west London, Jones handed Brooks a yellow card only – rejecting the guidance of the team in Stockley Park after being sent to the monitor for the first time.
But while partisan supporters in the stands were either enraged – or relieved – those watching at home and treated to Martin Tyler’s commentary were confused by his reptition of Scott’s words to Jones after he had made his decision.
Marc Cucurella appeared to be brought down by a challenge from David Brooks pulling on his hair (incident ringed)
Initially, referee Rob Jones did not penalise the Bournemouth player as Chelsea advocated for him to be sent off
Jones was sent to the monitor by VAR Graham Scott but opted not to dole out a red in a first
Scott is believed to have said to Jones ‘it’s your gift’ – a cryptic message which left some in doubt over the process of the decision-making.
In a statement issued after the decision, the PGMOL said: ‘VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible red card to Brooks for violent conduct.
‘Upon review, the referee deemed that the challenge on Cucurella was a reckless action and not violent conduct – and issued a yellow card to Brooks.’
But Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was dumbfounded after the final whistle that the Cherries had not been forced to go a man down, calling the challenge ‘dangerous’.
‘When there is no intention to take the ball, it is red,’ Maresca said. ‘They gave yellow, so something happened.
‘How can they judge that was not dangerous? In my opinion, it’s red. Hopefully we can be more lucky with the referee in the future.’
Cucurella has been targeted with similar dark arts by opposition players in the past, with Southampton’s Jack Stephen’s sent off during Chelsea’s 5-1 drubbing of the south coast side just last month.
As on Tuesday evening, referee Tony Harrington was sent to the monitor on the recommendation of VAR officials after missing the incident, but in that instance issued a red card.
Brooks instead received a yellow card for ‘reckless conduct’ rather than violent conduct
Cucurella has previously been the victim of similar dark arts which saw Jack Stephens sent off at Southampton
The Euro 2024 winner also saw his hair pulled during a feisty 2022 clash with crosstown rivals Tottenham by Cristian Romero, although the Spurs player was not penalised after VAR Mike Dean did not send referee Anthony Taylor to the monitor.
Dean has since admitted that he ‘regretted’ not making the intervention after re-watching the footage.
After the incident, Bournemouth added to their tally via a lashed goal from Antoine Semenyo which seemed to all-but confirm the visitors would be leaving with all three points as the tie headed into injury time.
Chelsea were able to pull a point back, however, via returning captain Reece James, whose freekick helped level the score and save his side’s blushes as the hosts narrowly skirted defeat.
Maresca’s side will go hunting for their first win in five Premier League matches on Monday against Wolves in a bid to firm up their now-shakier position in the top four.
