Rodrigo Bentancur was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Reece James with Chelsea leading Tottenham in the Premier League and VAR checked the foul on the verge of half time
Rodrigo Bentancur escaped a red card for this challenge on Reece James
Rodrigo Bentancur escaped a red card for this challenge on Reece James
Rodrigo Bentancur's late challenge on Reece James was judged to be reckless but not serious foul play, at the end of the first half between and . The midfielder was shown a yellow card for his tackle, leaving the Blues' captain frustrated with the decision.
The Spurs midfielder stopped a Chelsea break with his late tackle as players from both sides came together following the challenge. But Jarred Gillett only brandished a caution to the Uruguay international and saw his decision confirmed by his video assistant referee.
Trevoh Chalobah was also shown a yellow for his reaction as the Chelsea defender got in Bentancur's face to illustrate his issues.
While Bentancur appeared to go in with his studs towards James' ankle, his action was deemed not to be 'serious foul play'.
Match Centre said: "The referee’s call of yellow card to Bentancur was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be a reckless challenge and not serious foul play."
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Former Spurs ace Jamie Redknapp believes a red card would have been shown if the tackle had been higher. "He knows he's leaving a little bit on him," he said.
"He's late, he's aggressive, he's over the top of the ball. A little bit higher, it's a red card."
Ex-Liverpool defender believed it looked worse on replays. "It catches him on the ankle and it'll be a sore one for him. It looks worse in slow motion," he said.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Trevoh Chalobah are restrained (
Image:
JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea led the clash at the time of the incident having opened the scoring through Joao Pedro. The Brazilian forward broke his two-month goalscoring duck after 35 minutees thanks to Moises Caicedo's relentless pressing.
"Chelsea have been really good, pressing high. They've controlled the game well but I've been really impressed by the pressing.
"Joao Pedro's composure is improving... he's gaining his confidence throughout the games. He's done well so far.
"He'll be excited for the second half."
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