Marc Cucurella suffered an attack by David Brooks during the Premier League match that Chelsea drew 2-2 against Bournemouth coached by Spanish coach Andoni Iraola.
The Spanish full-back was hit by Brooks, in a play without the ball, in the 51st minute when the score was 1-1.
Referee Robert Jones reviewed the action on the monitor and rejected the VAR’s suggestion to send off Brooks, who was only sanctioned with a yellow card despite the fact that in the image he can be seen hitting Cucurella in the neck.
“When he gives a yellow card, it means that something has happened without the ball in play… How can you judge that it is not dangerous?
Enzo Maresca
After a thorough review Jones determined that the incident constituted reckless play rather than violent conduct.
“When the referee looks at the monitor it’s never a good sign,” reflected Reece James, Cucurella’s teammate.
First time in the history of the Premier that an on-field referee rejects a red card proposed by the VAR
Brook’s attack on Cucurella is the first time in Premier League history that a referee rejected a VAR suggestion for a red card.
It is also the first time this season that an on-field referee corrects the VAR in the Premier.
Enzo Maresca on Brooks’ attack on Cucurella: “It’s red”
“I’ve said it many times… When there is no intention to play the ball, it’s red,” said Enzo Maresca, Chelsea coach, about Brooks’ attack on Cucurella.
Marc Cucurella and David Brooks fighting for a ball during Chelsea 2-2 BouremouthEFE
“When he gives a yellow card, it means that something has happened without the ball in play… How can you judge that it is not dangerous? You cannot judge that it was not dangerous. The intention is to simply go and contact Marc Cucurella. In my opinion opinion, it’s a red. I hope we can have better luck with the referee in the future,” analyzed the Italian coach.
