Premier League press release as Bournemouth man avoids red card for pulling Marc Cucurella's hair
Chelsea fans couldn't believe David Brooks' harsh hair pulling of Marc Cucurella wasn't considered violent behaviour.
Shortly after Justin Kluivert equalized 2-2 for the Cherries, Cucurella He was running away from his box while the blues He anticipated a counterattack.
He ran to the left of the field but was knocked down by streams and was seen holding his face against the grass.
VAR told referee Robert Jones to review the incident, and replays showed there was contact with the ball.
However, despite a lengthy review, Jones only showed Brooks a yellow card, leaving Chelsea fans on social media in disbelief.
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“HOW IS THAT NOT RED???? Brooks almost ripped Cucu's head off,” a second added.
A third said: “Brooks with a close line from hell tribute to Cucurella.”
“It's a complete disgrace that the referee doesn't send off David Brooks. He sees him throw a punch 15 times and shows him a yellow card. VAR can't even award yellow cards,” added a fourth.
The Premier League Match Center quickly offered an explanation for the decision on social media.
“The VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible red card to Brooks for violent conduct,” they said.
“Upon review, the referee considered that the challenge to Cucurella was a reckless action and not violent conduct, and issued a yellow card to Brooks.”
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Commenting on the incident, Chelsea captain Reece James said: “When the referee looks at the monitor, it's never a good sign.
“There are positive things to take away from the game, but there are also negative things. They are mixed emotions.”
The incident may well have reminded Chelsea fans of a previous off-ball challenge on Cucurella in their 5-1 win at Southampton.
Saints captain Jack Stephens pulled the Spaniard's hair and showed him a red card following a VAR check.
However, this time the outcome was different despite the nature of Brooks' challenge.
Chelsea took the lead via Cole Palmer in the 13th minute, but the visitors turned the game around midway through the second half.
Antoine Semenyo fired powerfully to put his team ahead shortly after the controversy surrounding Brooks.
However, Chelsea made it 2-2 in added time thanks to a free kick from substitute Reece James.
