Chelsea tore Tottenham apart at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Lilywhites throwing away a 2-0 lead in typical Spurs fashion. To make matters worse, Cristian Romero limped off shortly after Spurs took the lead, seemingly aggravating a prior injury, adding to Tottenham’s growing list of fitness concerns. On the other side, Moises Caicedo found himself at the centre of controversy during a pivotal first-half moment, sparking debate over the referee’s decision.
In the 33rd minute, Moisés Caicedo charged into a challenge with Pape Matar Sarr, making contact with his shin. Given the nature of the challenge, many expected VAR to step in, potentially sending referee Anthony Taylor to the review screen. However, after reviewing the incident, the decision was cleared, leaving many baffled by the lack of intervention.
Carragher believes the decision was unjust
Caicedo’s challenge was high and reckless, resembling the type of tackle for which many Premier League players have been sent off in both this season and the last. During Sky Sports‘ coverage of the game, Martin Tyler and Jamie Carragher both expressed their disbelief at the decision. Tyler explained that VAR had ruled the challenge lacked excessive force, while Carragher remarked that he was certain it should have been a red card, though he generally prefers officials to keep the game 11 vs 11.
The Liverpool legend explained
“I mean that is unbelievable. Listen, I don’t like seeing people sent off, I always think the officials should do as much as they possibly can to keep the game 11 vs 11 but I was absolutely certain that was going to be a red card.”
PGMOL provided further clarification on X shortly after the incident. Remarkably, Caicedo didn’t receive a yellow card for the challenge, and VAR did not intervene in this case. They determined that there was “no serious foul play” and upheld the referee’s decision. PGMOL stated that VAR reviewed the challenge and confirmed the referee’s call, concluding that no red card was necessary.
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While the game could have been entirely different had Chelsea been reduced to ten men, this loss is not about what could have or should have happened. It’s about focusing on what Tottenham can improve moving forward as they prepare to face Rangers in the Europa League.