The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has defended decision not to send off Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo following a high challenge on Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr.
In the first half of the thrilling London derby, Caicedo’s foot went above Sarr’s ankle in a challenge that sparked debate.
Many compared it to similar tackles punished with red cards in the past.
Notably, Cristian Romero was dismissed for a comparable foul on Enzo Fernandez last season.
However, after a VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor’s decision to avoid issuing a red card was upheld.
The Premier League clarified the decision on its X (formerly Twitter) match center.
The statement read: “VAR checked for a potential red card following a challenge by Caicedo on Sarr and confirmed the referee’s call of no serious foul play.”
After the match, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou refrained from direct criticism but expressed frustration over some decisions, saying, “I thought a couple of decisions were poor. We have to accept it and move on.”
The incident was part of a dramatic match in which Chelsea overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Spurs 4-3.
Tottenham started strong, with Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski scoring early.
However, Jadon Sancho’s strike brought Chelsea back into the game before Caicedo’s controversial tackle.
Cole Palmer starred for Chelsea, scoring two penalties, including a sublime Panenka, and assisting Enzo Fernandez’s decisive goal.
Despite Son Heung-min’s late strike for Spurs, Chelsea held on for a crucial win.
