Premier League VAR History Made in Chelsea vs. Bournemouth Draw

Historic VAR Decision in Stamford Bridge Thriller

Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on Tuesday in a match that made Premier League history. Bournemouth’s David Brooks became the first player not to be sent off following a red-card review at the pitch-side monitor, a decision that left Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca fuming.

Controversial Incident Involving David Brooks and Marc Cucurella

The clash occurred early in the second half, with Brooks tugging back Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella to stop a counterattack. Referee Rob Jones initially called a foul but was instructed by VAR Graham Scott to review the incident on the touchline monitor. Despite the recommendation, Jones stuck to his original decision and issued a yellow card rather than a red, making him the first referee in Premier League VAR history to reject a red-card recommendation.

This decision sparked debate, with Jones citing that the challenge was reckless but did not qualify as violent conduct. The Premier League match centre later clarified the reasoning behind the decision, referencing Law 12 of the FA’s Official Handbook:

• Reckless action: “When a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent.”
• Violent conduct: “When a player uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent.”

Enzo Maresca and Andoni Iraola React

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca strongly disagreed with the decision, stating, “When there is no intention to take the ball, it’s red. They have to explain this. If they give yellow, that means something happened. How can they judge it was not dangerous?”

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola defended the referee’s decision, saying, “There’s no violence. It stops a counter, it’s a clear yellow card.”

While the match ended in a stalemate, the unprecedented VAR decision has become the main talking point, sparking discussions across the football world.