Former Chelsea and Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge has suggested that golden VAR rules were 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 showed him a yellow card.
Despite agreeing that the right decision had been reached, Sturridge subtly criticized Sky Sports’ use of technology. “When you see him slow down, it looks terrible. At first the referee made the decision to give him a yellow card, and then they overruled it again.”
“They introduced VAR, if you see him slow down it’s a red card, at full speed it’s not so bad.
“If you see the challenge slowing down, the refs will be worried about him. If you go to the screen and see it slowing down, it’s Red.”
Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith previously pointed out: “They’ve been watching for a long time. He’s come in with some speed and strength. Well, this could be the defining moment of this contest.” It’s important to show it at full speed.
“He misses the ball in a fraction of a second but comes towards it with force. What they are always concerned about is his straight legs. He will be lucky if he stays on the pitch here.”
Immediately after Caicedo’s dismissal, the Premier League side began considering the deal, and Taylor also explained the upgrade card.
A statement from X’s Premier League Match Center said: “#CHEARS – 34 min VAR overturn After a VAR review, the referee overturned the original yellow card decision for Caicedo and issued a red card for serious foul play.”
The referee announced: “After review, Chelsea 25 made a challenge with excessive force and endangered the safety of her opponent, so my final decision is a red card.”
Despite playing with 10 men, Chelsea took the lead when Trevor Chalobah deftly headed home a corner kick from Reece James.
However, soon after, Mikel Merino leveled the score for his side with a cross from Bukayo Saka past Roberto Sanchez.
Following Caicedo’s ejection, it was perhaps fortunate that Piero Hincapie also didn’t get a red after catching Charova with an elbow.
Another foul on João Pedro by the Ecuadorian player prompted further protests, but referee Taylor chose not to issue a red card this time.
