VAR referee David Coote will be fourth official for the Carabao Cup final despite his blunder in Tottenham’s defeat at Chelsea.
Coote was forced to admit he had made a mistake when Spurs’ Giovani Lo Celso remained on the field despite clearly stamping on Cesar Azpilicueta last Saturday.
Lo Celso was not sent off for this challengeCredit: refer to caption.
The Argentine clearly stamped on the SpaniardCredit: BT Sport
But he has been given the nod to be fourth official for Aston Villa’s showdown with Manchester City at Wembley.
As Blues defender Azpilicueta went in for a tackle, Lo Celso landed his right foot down the leg of the Spaniard leaving him in agony.
Referee Michael Oliver missed the incident but VAR officials in Stockley Park checked the challenge with multiple camera angles.
Despite it being a dangerous tackle, Coote amazingly advised Oliver not to send off or even book the Argentine much to the dismay of Frank Lampard.
After the game, it was suggested that no red card was given because he had “nowhere else to put his foot.”
But it was later revealed that officials in charge admitted they got the decision wrong – adding to number of VAR farces this season.
Coote was deemed in charge of the final decision before he made yet another howler in Man City’s win over Leicester on the same day.
The Foxes were aggrieved that they were not awarded a penalty for a handball from Kevin De Bruyne following a James Maddison free-kick.
Jamie Redknapp hit out at the decision, telling Sky Sports: “He (David Coote) had a nightmare earlier (in Chelsea v Spurs). He is not doing much better here. He needed a little rest this evening.
The second-half stamp on Azpilicueta earned a full VAR reviewCredit: BT Sport
“And he can’t see it was a red card earlier. That is a handball. He is putting his hands up to protect the moneymaker.
“Look at his hands, he is bringing his hands up to the moneymaker. You duck.
“He is the best player in the league but he does not want to get that ball in his face. It is as simple as that.”
David Coote will be fourth official for the Carabao Cup final this weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Frank Lampard says he was ‘just waiting for the red card’ after late Lo Celso tackle on César Azpilicueta which VAR deemed ‘no serious foul play’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
