Moises Caicedo was shown a straight red card during Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Arsenal with Daniel Sturridge issuing a clear verdict on the incident in Sunday’s 1-1 draw
Daniel Sturridge has suggested Moises Caicedo’s red card against Arsenal was courtesy of VAR doing exactly what the PGMOL have said it would not do. The Blues midfielder was sent off for a late challenge on Mikel Merino with VAR intervening after Anthony Taylor initially showed a yellow card during the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
The former Chelsea and Liverpool striker commented on the sending off with a subtle dig at the technology’s use, despite believing the correct call was made.
He said: “When you see it slowed down, it looks nasty. Initially the referee makes a decision to give him a yellow card. And they’ve re-reffed it. They’ve gone with VAR. When you see it slowed down its a red card. It’s not so bad in full speed. When you look at the challenge slowed down, it makes the referees mind up for him. When you go to the screen and see that slowed down, that’s a red.”
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Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith had earlier stated: “They’re having a long look at it. He’s come in at some speed and some force. “Well this could be the crucial moment in this contest. It’s important they show it at full speed.
“He missed the ball by a split second, but he comes at it with some force, and his straight leg is what they are usually concerned about. He’s going to be fortunate if he stays on the pitch here.”
A verdict from the Premier League themselves came soon after Caicedo’s dismissal with Taylor also explaining why the card was upgraded.
A post from the Premier League Match Centre on X declared: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Caicedo and issued a red card for serious foul play.
“Referee announcement: “After review, Chelsea 25, makes a challenge with excessive force and endangers the safety of the opponent, therefore my final decision is red card.”
Despite having the man disadvantage, Chelsea took the lead when Trevoh Chalobah glanced home a Reece James corner. However, Merino equalised soon after as he headed past Robert Sanchez following a superb Bukayo Saka cross.
Following Caicedo’s sending off, the Blues did all they could to even the playing field with Piero Hincapie perhaps fortunate to not see red after catching Chalobah with a stray arm.
A foul from the Ecuador international on Joao Pedro saw further protests arrive but Taylor kept his red card in his pocket on this occasion. There were plenty of bookings however, with Myles Lewis Skelly booked soon after replacing Riccardo Calafiori, who had also been shown a caution.
However, neither side could find a winner, which keeps Arsenal five points clear of second place Manchester City, with Chelsea in third, a point further back.
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