David Brooks brought Marc Cucurella down. (Image: PREMIER LEAGUE)
The Premier League released a statement after Chelsea fans were left fuming because Robert Jones decided to reject a VAR recommendation for the first time this season. David Brooks appeared to pull Marc Cucurella to the ground by his hair as the Chelsea defender looked to break against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
Jones was later instructed to visit the pitchside monitor to observe the replays but brandished a yellow card for Brooks’ offence rather than a red.
The referee disagreed with the red card recommendation and allowed the Welsh winger to remain on the pitch, sparking outrage among Chelsea fans.
The Premier League quickly spoke out about the incident, explaining Jones’ decision-making process on social media.
An X post from the Premier League Match Centre account read: “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.”
It was the first time in history that a Premier League referee had rejected a red card review at the pitchside monitor.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola later withdrew Brooks for Daniel Jebbison in the 81st minute as his side looked to hold onto their 2-1 lead.
David Brooks misses out on a red card despite a lengthy VAR review ??????Should he have been sent off…? ???????????? &
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt)
Marc Cucurella wasn’t happy with David Brooks. (Image: Getty)
Cole Palmer opened the scoring for Chelsea, hammering Nicolas Jackson’s silky through ball past Mark Travers.
The Blues produced a wasteful performance in front of goal and were punished early in the second half when Justin Kluivert equalised from the penalty spot.
Antoine Semenyo – who won the Cherries’ spot-kick – then stunned the hosts by beating Robert Sanchez to force a lead.
Chelsea appeared destined for defeat before second-half substitute Reece James netted a sensational free-kick in the 95th minute.
Enzo Maresca’s blushes? Spared. However, his side are enduring a torrid run of form that has dismissed all claims that they were involved in the Premier League title race.
Chelsea were unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions, winning their last eight on the bounce, when they underwhelmed in a 0-0 draw at lowly Everton on December 22.
Back-to-back defeats against Fulham and Ipswich Town – a last-ditch 2-1 loss in the west London derby and a shocking 2-0 failure at Portman Road – followed.
A straight-forward 5-0 triumph over Morecambe in the FA Cup offered a welcome reprieve, but Tuesday’s frustrating stalemate was more of the same.
Chelsea host Wolves this weekend before finishing their January schedule with a trip to Manchester City.