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Chelsea fell 1-0 to Tottenham at Wembley.
not impressed

'English referees cannot use VAR' - Chelsea boss Sarri slams penalty call in Spurs semi-final

The Italian was critical of the use of video review following a controversial moment in Tuesday’s clash

CHELSEA BOSS MAURIZIO Sarri slammed the use of the Video Assistant Referee on Tuesday, adding that he doesn’t think English referees are able to properly use the system.

Harry Kane was awarded a penalty kick in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, which ended up as a 1-0 victory for Tottenham thanks to the forward’s match-winning finish.

Kane was tripped up by Kepa Arrizabalaga in the first half of the clash at Wembley Stadium, prompting referees to review the sequence.

There were questions over whether Kane was offside on the play but, after seeing the video, the referees awarded a penalty.

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea - Carabao Cup - Semi Final - First Leg - Wembley Stadium Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

Sarri was able to re-watch the play after the match and, in his eyes, the officials were off the mark.

“A few minutes ago I watched the video from our camera. It was offside. Our camera was in line with Harry Kane,” Sarri told Sky Sports.

“Offside with the head, the knee. Offside. It was really important the linesman carried on running, he had a big impact on our defenders.

“I don’t think English referees are able to use the system.

“If you are not sure with the system, you have to follow the ball and at the end of the action decide. But he stopped it and didn’t follow the ball – for our defenders it was offside. I don’t know about the goalkeeper but sure the defenders.

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea - Carabao Cup - Semi Final - First Leg - Wembley Stadium Harry Kane's penalty was the difference on Tuesday night. Adam Davy Adam Davy

“I think they have to study the system.

“It’s very strange in the Premier League there isn’t VAR and in Carabao Cup there is the system. It’s very strange for us, the players and referees.”

On the other side, Kane went on to say he thought that the officals were correct with their ruling, which helped lead Spurs to an advantage heading into the second leg.

The two sides will meet once again on January 22 at Stamford Bridge with a spot in the finale on the line.

Before that, though, Spurs are set to face Manchester United and Fulham while Chelsea take on Newcastle and Arsenal in their respective league matches.

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