Gary Lineker has questioned the use of slow-motion replays in VAR decisions after Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was sent off during Sunday's Premier League clash with Arsenal. The former England striker expressed sympathy for Caicedo, arguing that the technology made the challenge look worse than it was.
Caicedo was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor for a tackle on Mikel Merino in the first half, but the VAR intervened and overturned the decision, upgrading it to a red card. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: "I don't think they should have slow motion for things like that. His foot wasn't raised; it was a millisecond late, and the slow motion makes it look terrible."
Lineker acknowledged that the decision was understandable but insisted the tackle was not malicious. "I can see why they gave it but I honestly think it was an honest tackle, no intent to harm," he said. "I just think slow motion distorts what actually happens because it's, 'hit the ball' and your foot bounces."
Despite being reduced to ten men, Chelsea took the lead when Trevoh Chalobah headed in, but Merino equalised with his own header from Bukayo Saka's cross. Arsenal failed to secure a winning goal and saw their lead at the top of the Premier League cut to five points after Manchester City beat Leeds United on Saturday.
Merino admitted he was fortunate to avoid serious injury from the challenge, describing it as "horrible". Lineker's comments come nearly two years after he admitted regret over supporting VAR, saying in December 2023 that it was "spoiling the game" after Kai Havertz's goal was ruled out for handball against Aston Villa.
