Premier League Referee Peter Bankes gestures during the Leeds United v Nottingham Forest Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds, England on 6 February 2026
Peter Bankes has been criticised Imago
Correspondent AUTHORITY NCTJ-qualified football journalist with experience at VAVEL, Hayters TV, SPORTbible, and Centredevils. FOCUS Premier League analysis, tactical deep-dives, and original opinion content across Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Celtic. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides specialist tactical and analytical content to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and understand the full picture.
VAR James Bell caught the incident and recommended an on-field review, with a penalty subsequently awarded and the Argentine shown a second yellow card.
VAR would have to get involved again later in the game, disallowing Estevao's finish after it was deemed offside by the technology.
Lisandro Martinez red was 'an easy decision'
Martinez's first yellow had come seconds earlier, after he had dragged down Rogers just outside the penalty box.
Leading with his arm, the 28-year-old jumped straight into Fofana and did not even care to glance at the ball.
Chelsea players immediately surrounded Bankes, who had originally decided against taking any action.
But VAR did not take long to look at it, sending the referee to the screen, where he did not have to look for long to come to a decision.
"The player has led with his arm into his opponent in a reckless manner," Hackett told Football Insider. "Referee Bankes is in a great viewing position, but awarded a corner kick.
"That is disappointing it was an easy decision. Well done VAR James Bell for his intervention. The correct outcome that really should have been made by Bankes without the intervention of VAR."
VAR working how it should
Unfortunately, there have been far too many examples of VAR working poorly this season.
Yet when it works well, it really does work well. Saturday's decision saw everything done as it should be.
VAR got involved and made the decision quickly, coming to the right conclusion and sending Bankes to the screen before fans even realised what was going on.