Moises Caicedo was sent off during Chelsea's clash with Arsenal after a VAR review, with officials citing 'excessive force' in his challenge on Mikel Merino. The Ecuadorian midfielder was dismissed in the 38th minute at Stamford Bridge following a heavy tackle that left Merino's ankle buckling.
According to the BBC, VAR officials are trained to look for specific indicators of excessive force, including the way a player's ankle buckles on contact. The point of impact was also considered, leading to the decision to upgrade the initial yellow card to a red after referee Anthony Taylor reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher supported the decision, stating: 'When you see the tackle, it is bad. It's a red card. All I can think is that Anthony doesn't see the point of contact. VAR has done him a massive favour because it's alerted him to have a look. He's had one look and given the red card.' Former forward Jay Bothroyd added that the challenge was 'aggressive' but perhaps more reckless than malicious.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the red card was correct but questioned consistency, pointing to Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur escaping a red card for a similar challenge against Chelsea earlier this season. 'I just said there, he asked me about Moises' red card. It's a red card, but why was Bentancur's against Reece not a red card when we were at Spurs away? So us, as a manager, we struggle to understand why they judge in different way,' Maresca said.
Caicedo will now serve a three-match suspension, missing games against Leeds, Bournemouth, and Everton. Chelsea currently sit third in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Arsenal.
