The Premier League after released a statement after Bournemouth star David Brooks escaped a red card against Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Early in the second half, Marc Cucurella and Brooks were involved in an off-the-ball altercation.
As the Spaniard ran out of defence, Brooks put his arm out and brought Cucurella down.
VAR intervened and told referee Rob Jones to take a look an the pitchside monitor.
Ron Jones issued a yellow card instead of a red card
Reuters
However, Jones decided against a red card for violent conduct and instead issued a yellow card for reckless action.
And the Premier League have since released a statement on the incident, saying: “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.”
Chelsea had gone a goal up through Cole Palmer in the first half before conceding a penalty seconds after the break.
Justin Kluivert converted from the spot to make it 1-1 before the incident surrounding Brooks and Cucurella.
Minutes later, Bournemouth took the lead after a ripping shot from Antoine Semenyo that beat Rob Sanchez at his near-post.
However, fans were still left bamboozled by the decision not to send Brooks off.
One fan wrote: “Brooks puts hands around Cucurella’s face and hauls him down off the ball and doesn’t get sent off for violent conduct? Awful decision.”
Another posted: “Jack Stephens pulls Cucurella’s hair and is sent off, David Brooks does the same and is cautioned. Good to see that the laws of the game are being applied consistently…..”
A third said: “Oh my. Brooks is a lucky, lucky boy.”
David Brooks escaped a red card despite appearing to throw an arm in Marc Cucurella’s face
Reuters
While this fan put: “Another day, another incorrect VAR decision. Brooks should be off.”
And former Premier League striker Glenn Murray also echoed that sentiment, saying: “I think David Brooks is very fortunate to still be on the field.
“Marc Cucurella was really moving as he looked to go past him and Brooks almost clotheslined him.”
Chelsea have looked out of sorts in recent weeks after a fine run that led some to believing they were in a title race.
However, the Blues have not won a Premier League game since December 15 against Brentford.
Since then, Chelsea have suffered disappointing draws to Crystal Palace and Everton as well as shock defeats to Ipswich Town and Fulham.
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