Fans have shared their anger after a bizarre incident in Chelsea‘s clash with Tottenham saw Hakim Ziyech sent off, only to be reinstated moments later.
It came after a coming together of players from both sides following a strong challenge, during which Ziyech lashed out at Emerson Royal and appeared to catch him in the face.
Referee Stuart a Attwell showed the Chelsea man a red card, but later downgraded his verdict to a booking after replays showed he had shoved Royal in the shoulder and caught him in the face by accident.
Some fans felt the incident showed how ‘inconsistent’ Premier League officials have been this season, with one tweeting: ‘When Ziyech gets away with that while other players have been sent off for much less, what’s even the explanation. It’s like there’s no standard among referees, even with VAR.’
It was also labelled ‘comical’ and ‘laughable’, while others fans reminded Ziyech ‘this it not WWE.’
VAR has been at the centre of a number of controversial incidents in recent weeks, with the PGMOL acknowledging mistakes two weeks ago that incorrectly awarded Brentford a goal against Arsenal, while Brighton’s goal against Crystal Palace stood when it should have been chalked off.
Both decisions came from VAR officials drawing incorrect lines on defenders.
Some supporters compared the Ziyech incident to Casemiro’s sending off against Crystal Palace, which also divided opinion.
The Manchester United midfielder was sent off for appearing to grab Will Hughes’ throat, with United boss Erik ten Hag questioning the call after the game but stopping short of appealing the decision.
‘Casemiro is sent off for a still image showing his hands around an opponent’s neck,’ tweeted one fan, ‘but Ziyech receives only a yellow after video evidence clearly shows he slapped Emerson Royal? Nice one’
Even those who felt the decision was correct hinted at a degree of inconsistency, with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink telling Sky Sports ‘another referee might not have changed’ the card, while Michael Dawson added that Ziyech was ‘lucky’.
Tottenham went on to win the game in North London after a thunderous strike from Oliver Skipp and a poaches finish from Harry Kane.
Chelsea have now won two of their past 15 across all competitions, and have dropped 14 points behind Spurs in the table.
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
