“How can you?” – Enzo Maresca rips into VAR as David Brooks escapes RED card for challenge on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca blasted out at referees for not showing Bournemouth winger David Brooks a red card for his foul on Marc Cucurella.

“How can you?” – Enzo Maresca rips into VAR as David Brooks escapes RED card for challenge on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca slammed the referee for his decision during the club's 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. (via Daily Mail)

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was left fuming at referee Robert Jones and VAR for a decision to not give Bournemouth winger David Brooks a red card for a foul on Marc Cucurella. The match ended in a frustrating 2-2 draw. 

The Blues had taken an early lead into the match against Bournemouth through Cole Palmer. They were looking to end their four-match winless run in the EPL. However, the visitors staged a fightback to make it 2-1. Justin Kluivert scored a 50th-minute penalty, and Antoine Semenyo scored a 68th-minute strike. Reece James’ last-minute free-kick helped the home side salvage a point from the dramatic encounter. 

YouTube video

Bournemouth was rather fortunate to have not gone a man down in the 54th minute, following forward David Brooks’ reckless challenge on Marc Cucurella. The Welsh forward, in an attempt to block the Spaniard’s run, elbowed him in the face. It sent him tumbling to the ground. Referee Rob Jones immediately brought out a yellow card and penalized the 27-year-old winger for the foul.

FS Video

Jones was advised by VAR officials to review the incident for a potential red card on the pitch-side monitor. He, however, deemed Brooks’ challenge as ‘reckless’, rather than ‘violent conduct’. Expressing discontentment, manager Enzo Maresca later exclaimed that the referee would have to explain his decision, as Brooks’ challenge was clearly intentional. He claimed that the foul was a dangerous one. 

I said many times, for me, if there is no intention to take the ball, it’s a red. They have to explain [it]. How can they judge that it was not dangerous?… The intention was just to go against Marc Cucurella.

Enzo Maresca on the referee’s decision (H/T Sky Sports)

Interestingly, Rob Jones’ decision marks the first time in EPL history that a referee has rejected a red-card review, even after being sent to the pitch-side monitor by VAR. It surely increases the skepticism among teams regarding the EPL’s refereeing standards. 

RELATED
Manchester City eyeing Real Madrid’s €100 million worth midfielder as Rodri continues recovery
Aurelien Tchouameni

Thomas Tuchel returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time since Chelsea sacking in 2022

Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was spotted at Stamford Bridge in attendance of Blues’ 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League. It marked his return to the club, two and a half years after he was sacked from the managerial position. 

Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea
Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel arrived at Stamford Bridge after two long years. (via BBC)

The German manager most recently took over as the head of the England national side. He has since then been attending several EPL matches, keeping a close watch on several potential candidates for the Three Lions squad. Chelsea’s dramatic match against the Cherries featured many English players. The list includes Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Reece James, and Tosin Adarabioyo. 

Moreover, Tuchel returned to his former club for the first time since September 2022. The ex-Chelsea boss was sacked by the club in an acrimonious manner. He had won a UCL, a Super Cup and a Club World Cup, as Blues manager. Tuchel was later replaced by Graham Potter.