The Premier League issued a statement after Chelsea fans were left outraged when Robert Jones rejected a VAR recommendation for the first time this season.
David Brooks seemed to pull Marc Cucurella to the ground by his hair as the Chelsea defender tried to break against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
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Jones was later instructed to check the pitchside monitor to review the incident but chose to issue a yellow card for Brooks’ offense instead of a red. ..Continue Reading
The referee disagreed with the red card recommendation, allowing the Welsh winger to stay on the pitch, which ignited fury among Chelsea supporters.
The Premier League quickly addressed 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.”
This marked the first time in history that a Premier League referee had rejected a red card review at the pitchside monitor.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola later substituted Brooks for Daniel Jebbison in the 81st minute as his team aimed to protect their 2-1 lead.
Cole Palmer had opened the scoring for Chelsea, expertly finishing Nicolas Jackson’s through ball past Mark Travers.
Chelsea squandered numerous chances in front of goal and were punished early in the second half when Justin Kluivert equalized from the penalty spot.
Antoine Semenyo, who won the Cherries’ penalty, then shocked the hosts by beating Robert Sanchez to put Bournemouth ahead.
Chelsea seemed headed for defeat until second-half substitute Reece James scored a stunning free-kick in the 95th minute.
Chelsea were unbeaten in 11 games across all competitions, having won their last eight, before a disappointing 0-0 draw at lowly Everton on December 22.
Subsequent back-to-back defeats against Fulham and Ipswich Town – a last-gasp 2-1 loss in the west London derby and a surprising 2-0 defeat at Portman Road – followed.
A straightforward 5-0 win over Morecambe in the FA Cup provided some relief, but Tuesday’s frustrating stalemate felt all too familiar.
Chelsea will host Wolves this weekend before concluding their January fixtures with a trip to Manchester City.
