Gary Lineker has expressed sympathy for Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo and raised concerns about VAR's reliance on slow-motion replays following his sending-off against Arsenal. The Blues star was sent off during the opening period of their crucial Premier League encounter after a challenge on Mikel Merino.
Midway through the first half, the Chelsea player dove in attempting to regain possession, making contact with the Spanish midfielder above his ankle and leaving both players on the ground. Caicedo had initially received a yellow card from referee Anthony Taylor, but VAR stepped in to reverse the decision and escalate the punishment to a red card.
Lineker believed the technology's implementation made the challenge appear more severe than it actually was.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said: "I don't think they should have slow motion for things like that, it's a bit like when they have still shots of feet.
"His foot wasn't raised; it was a millisecond late, and the slow motion makes it look terrible. So I understand why they would possibly overturn the decision but I mean, really? I don't think that would have been a foul in my day, let alone a red card.
"I just think, slow motion distorts what actually happens because it's, 'hit the ball' [ricochet motion] and your foot bounces.
"If he's got his foot in the air, that used to be over the ball, red card, definitely. It looks terrible in slow motion but when I see it in normal, it's just a fraction [late]."
Despite being down to 10 men, Chelsea took the lead when Trevoh Chalobah's header found the net to break the deadlock in the second half.
Nevertheless, Bukayo Saka's delivery was headed home by Merino to level the score.
Both teams had opportunities to claim all three points in the dying moments, with the Gunners pressing to extend their advantage at the Premier League summit.
They were unable to do so and couldn't take advantage of Manchester City's draw with Leeds on Saturday, seeing their lead at the top cut to five points.
Merino confessed he was fortunate to escape serious harm following the "dreadful" tackle from his Chelsea opponent.
"I felt my ankle go all the way but luckily I have very mobile ankles and body," he said.
"I knew it was a horrible challenge and it was going to be a red card."
Lineker's remarks arrive nearly two years after the former Match of the Day host was compelled to reverse his stance on the technology.
The 65-year-old had backed the introduction of the video assistant referee, hoping to reduce errors and eliminate football's major controversies.
Yet in December 2023, he was forced to confess his regret at supporting VAR after Kai Havertz's strike was disallowed against Aston Villa by VAR for handball.
He said: "Well I have to say, I really don't like VAR very much anymore.
"I was one of those that advocated for it and I actually feel quite guilty and I was definitely wrong. It's spoiling the game."