Tottenham Hotspur hosted Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, and Rodrigo Bentancur was fortunate not to receive a red card for a brutal foul.
The away team opened the goal following a series of defensive blunders that allowed Moises Caicedo to force his way forward and set up Joao Pedro for a straightforward finish from close range. However, that was not the only dramatic moment in the first half.
Indeed, right before the interval, Spurs midfielder Bentancur engaged in a fierce challenge with Chelsea captain Reece James, catching him with his studs. Jarred Gillet chose to receive a yellow card, and VAR backed his judgment.
This caused a lot of shock, however the Premier League has finally clarified why it was not escalated to a red card.
James is ‘disgusted’ by Bentancur’s foul
According to the clip, Bentancur dives into an ill-timed tackle, leaving plenty of space for James. Many expected a red card as the Tottenham star planted his studs into his opponent’s ankle.
Journalist Simon Johnson rushed to social media to explain what happened, writing: “Bentancur could be in trouble here…terrible challenge on James.” #CFC players are outraged. Jarred Gillet has only shown a yellow so far.
The Premier League gave an official explanation after Gillet chose not to be dismissed and VAR did not require any further penalty.
“The referee’s call of yellow card to Bentancur was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be a reckless challenge and not serious foul play.”
The claim that there was nothing’reckless’ about the tackle is undoubtedly debatable, and with VAR failing to intervene to escalate the foul to a red card, Chelsea players were outraged. Journalist Johnson noted James’ reaction, writing, “Stays a yellow…James is disgusted.”
Whatever the official explanation, Bentancur should consider himself fortunate that Gillet did not reach for the red card. If the referee had sent him off, the VAR would not have intervened to reverse the decision.
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