Advertisement
Referee Michael Oliver awaits VAR's verdict after Giovani Lo Celso's dangerous challenge.
in the name of

VAR officials admit mid-game that they made 'human error' in not red-carding Lo Celso

A challenge which for all the world looked like it warranted a red card went unpunished by VAR, who informed BT Sport mid-game that they got it wrong.

VAR OFFICIALS In Stockley Park have during the second half of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Tottenham admitted that they made a mistake in failing to red card Giovani Lo Celso for a reckless challenge earlier in the same fixture.

In the 52nd minute of what transpired to be a 2-1 win for Frank Lampard’s Blues at Stamford Bridge, Spurs attacker Lo Celso stood on the outstretched leg of Cesar Azpilicueta as the pair contested for a 50-50 ball, bending the Chelsea defenders lower leg horribly.

Both players were fortunate to emerge without consequence — Azpilicueta was relatively unharmed and fit to continue, while Lo Celso somehow avoided punishment after a VAR review.

ERYlqiUWkAIkbk-

However, half an hour later, BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher received word from his producers that VAR officials had informed BT from Stockley Park that their decision not to send off Lo Celso was the wrong one.

BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey also tweeted:

We have been speaking to Stockley Park who have admitted they got the decision wrong and Lo Celso should have been sent off…

Fletcher relayed that a VAR representative told the match broadcaster the decision was not a VAR error, but a “human error”.

Referee Michael Oliver did not appear to be invited to consult with his pitchside monitor while the challenge was reviewed externally.

Lo Celso is unlikely to receive a retrospective red card and accompanying ban due to the fact that the incident was not only seen but scrutinously reviewed in Stockley Park.

Andy Dunne and Murray Kinsella join Gavan Casey to tee you up for Sunday’s big one. The lads try to figure out where the winning and losing of the game will be, field a The42 member’s question as to what extent the media plays a role in Ireland’s performance, and Andy explains why Henry Tuilagi haunts his dreams at night.


The42 Rugby Weekly / SoundCloud

Your Voice
Readers Comments
44
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel