In a fiery London derby that saw Tottenham secure a crucial 2-0 victory over Chelsea, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur found himself at the centre of a major VAR controversy that left Stamford Bridge fuming.
The Incident That Shook Stamford Bridge
During the second half of Thursday night's Premier League clash, Bentancur launched into a reckless challenge on Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, catching the Ukrainian international high on the ankle with his studs showing. The incident immediately sparked protests from Chelsea players, with many expecting a straight red card.
Referee Paul Tierney initially allowed play to continue, but the VAR team quickly intervened, recommending an on-field review. After studying the monitor, Tierney surprisingly decided against upgrading his original yellow card decision to a dismissal, leaving Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino visibly incensed on the touchline.
Post-Match Fallout and Manager Reactions
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou defended his player, stating: "From where I was, it looked like a strong challenge but I don't think there was any malice in it. Rodrigo is not that type of player."
However, Chelsea supporters and several pundits expressed bewilderment at the decision. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean commented: "I've seen red cards given for far less. The height, the force, and the studs showing made this a clear candidate for dismissal in my book."
What This Means for the Premier League Race
The controversial decision proved pivotal in the match's outcome. Had Bentancur been sent off, Tottenham would have faced the final 25 minutes with ten men, potentially altering the result that saw them climb the table.
This incident adds to the growing list of VAR controversies this season, raising further questions about consistency in Premier League officiating. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) is likely to face renewed scrutiny over their decision-making process.
As the dust settles on another dramatic London derby, one thing remains clear: the VAR debate in English football shows no signs of abating.
