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      ‘Anyone that has ever played the game knows it’s never a red’ – Arsenal legend Wright rages at Lewis-Skelly sending off

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      IAN WRIGHT has joined the long-list of former professionals and pundits to be left reeling by the decision to send off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly on Saturday.Lewis-Skelly, 18, was shown a straight red card under controversial circumstances in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves yesterday.Ian Wright has slammed Michael Oliver’s decision to send of Myles Lewis-Skelly against WolvesCredit: Instagram @wrightyofficialReferee Micheal Oliver showed a red to Lewis-Skelly in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 winCredit: RexThe youngster tripped up Matt Doherty as Wolves launched a counter attackCredit: PAArsenal players surrounded Michael Oliver in protestCredit: GettyThe decision was checked and not overturned by VARCredit: PAIt is Arsenal’s fourth red card of the seasonCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly was sent for an early bath after tripping Wolves defender Matt Doherty nearly 90 yards away from the Arsenal goal.The cynical challenge left most fans expecting a yellow card, but the Hale End graduate was shown red by referee Michael Oliver instead.Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes led the on-field protests as Arsenal’s players showed their frustration at the decision.And now Gunners icon Ian Wright has weighed in on the incident, claiming that it’s “never a red”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a video posted on social media by the former Premier Legue bagsman, he fumed: “It’s a joke!”Anyone that has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, I’m talking five-a-side, Sunday league, knows that it’s never a red.”Yellow card, nobody says a word. Time and time again, this level of refereeing [and] the decisions in the Premier League… the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies.”All of them are just the centre of attention for me. We can’t criticise too hard because, where are the refs going to come from? Where are we going to get them?Most read in FootballMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But I’m sorry, this is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees. When will the Premier League bring the best refs into the so called ‘best league in the world’?”Because at the moment, with this level of refereeing, we’re nowhere near it. Nowhere near it.”Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardArsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed he was “fuming” about the decision, but remained calm enough to suggest that he won’t be complaining.Arteta told reporters that he hopes that an appeal won’t even be necessary and that the PGMOL will overturn the decision themselves as they did with Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham earlier in the season.He said: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you – because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help.“I think it is that obvious that we don’t need any comments today and hopefully the right thing will happen after today.“Hopefully we don’t need to (appeal) and, if we have [to], it happened and it’s a really good precedent what happened with Bruno this season as well.“So, hopefully, okay we were in a position we shouldn’t be in. At least, let’s be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to do his job.”Should the decision stand then Lewis-Skelly is set to miss the next three games.Ian Wright wasn’t the only high-profile name to publicly blast Michael Oliver’s decision.Match of the Day host Mark Chapman claimed the red card was “baffling and nonsensical from supposedly one of our best referees”.Alan Shearer blasted it as “one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time”He said: “As a referee, you can get it wrong on the pitch, you might see something which is incorrect. “How on earth Darren England, the VAR, thinks that the referee has got that right and there is no need to send him to the screen is beyond me.”I just cannot see and work out what VAR is thinking going along with Michael Oliver’s decision. No wonder it gets criticised by so many people.”While BBC Five Live pundit Pat Nevin said labelling such a challenge serious foul play was setting “a bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.And even ex-Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara said: “I’m all for Arsenal having a beast but that is never ever a red card, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen. Jheez lol”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Premier League released a statement on X confirming the decision to send off Lewis-Skelly.It read: “The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.”Mikel Arteta said he was ‘fuming’ after the red cardCredit: GettyMark Chapman slammed the decisionCredit: PAPat Nevin also took aim at the officiatingCredit: GettyArsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/A More

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      Brighton vs Everton descends into full-time brawl with players pulled apart by security after controversial penalty

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      EVERTON’S clash against Brighton descended into a full-time brawl after a controversial penalty.The Toffees claimed a vital win thanks to Iliman Ndiaye converting from the spot.Brighton and Everton players brawled at full timeCredit: ReutersThe players had to be separatedCredit: ReutersJames Tarkowski yanked Yankuba Minteh’s away from Jake O’BrienCredit: ReutersThe striker celebrated by flapping his arms like a seagull to rub salt in the wounds of the hosts.The penalty was a controversial one as Joel Veltman was judged to have handled the ball after a VAR check on 37 minutes which left Brighton fans and players livid. Referee Tim Robinson didn’t give the penalty initially as he felt it was a coming together of Veltman and Beto. He was then called to the monitor and it didn’t take him long to change his mind, while cheeky Brighton fans waved money at him in the background. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn what seemed like a technical cock up, VAR then showed the replay on the big screen, sending Brighton supporters ballistic, while the livid players swarmed him too, with Bart Verbruggen booked for protesting. But it kicked off at full time as players from both teams were caught in a brawl in the Everton area.Once the players were separated the Everton squad went over to celebrate the win with the travelling supporters.David Moyes saw out his 700th Premier League match in style thanks to Ndiaye’s goal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMaestro Moyes, 61, has now already overseen two Prem wins in his three league games since taking over – which is already two thirds of Sean Dyche’s wins tally (three) in 19 top-flight games.Brighton started well with Tariq Lamptey flashing an early warning shot, latching onto an inch-perfect cross and firing the ball across the face of goal. Ex-Everton and Barcelona star Gerard Deulofeu works out in gym after horror injury Iliman Ndiaye netted from the spot to win the game for EvertonCredit: RexHe flapped his arms like a seagull in his celebrationCredit: PAJoe Veltman was judged to have handled the ball by VARDisaster struck for Everton with Dominic Calvert-Lewin limping off the pitch after pulling up with a hamstring injury off the ball just 13 minutes in.The Toffees striker was unable to continue after appearing to over-extend his hamstring when landing. He made way for Beto and as things stand, Everton now have just one fit senior striker in their first team squad.Brighton cranked things up a notch with a wide Lamptey free-kick curling towards the back post before Jordan Pickford punched it away. The game exploded into life when there was the VAR check for what looked like a blatant handball from Veltman. Cue Senegalese midfielder Ndiaye’s first goal from the spot in league football. Brighton knew they needed some oomph, and made a switch at the break as Brajan Gruda was hooked off for Georginio Rutter.It certainly gave the hosts a pep in their step as Kaoru Mitoma lashed a curling shot just wide of the far post and a sprawling Pickford. Fabian Hurzeler’s side were peppering shots into the box, but it was mostly a desperate scramble of wild, deflected attempts with nothing on target. READ MORE SUN STORIESLewis Dunk fired a peach of a long-range pass straight onto the path of Rutter who cracked a shot agonisingly close. The Toffees had a go up the other end with Beto rushing toward goal but lashing into the side netting.  More

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      ‘Ref has forgotten about VAR!’ says Hoddle as penalty against Spurs overturned seconds before kick in bizarre scenes

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      GLENN HODDLE says the referee “forgot about VAR” before he overturned a penalty in Tottenham’s Europa League clash against Hoffenheim.Morten Krogh awarded the Germans a 64th minute spot-kick after he deemed Spurs stopper Brandon Austin to have fouled Max Moerstedt.Spurs stopper Brandon Austin was judged to have fouled Hoffenheim’s Max Moerstedt in their Europa League clashCredit: REUTERSReplays showed the keeper touched the ball before he made contact with MoerstedtCredit: APReferee Morten Krogh initially didn’t consult with VAR but eventually overturned the penaltyCredit: REXHoffenheim hitman Andrej Kramaric was all lined up to take the pen before VAR told the ref to review the incidentSpurs legend Glenn Hoddle claimed the referee had forgotten about VAR prior to overturning the spotkickCredit: GETTYThe Danish official gave a pen as he judged Austin to have struck Moerstedt in the face as he tried to intercept Kevin Akpoguma’s deflected cross.Hoffenheim hitman Andrej Kramaric was all set to take the resulting spot kick until the VAR instructed Krogh to review the incident on the monitor.That prompted TNT Sports pundit and Spurs legend Hoddle to say: “As the ball springs over the top Brandon Austin has the right to dive, there’s contact.”But I’m not sure what the goalkeeper is supposed to do. I think it’s a 50-50.”READ MORE ON SPURSHe continued: “The referee has forgot about VAR for a moment.”Brandon Austin just gets a little touch on it, which might be his saving grace.”After seeing Austin touched the ball before his hand hit Moerstedt, Krogh reversed his decision and the booking he dished out.Hoddle said of the call: “I think that’s the right decision. Plus he doesn’t get the booking. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTottenham ended up running out 3-2 winners over the German outfitCredit: REX”The booking’s been taken off Austin as well.”A relieved Austin tried to shake hands with the ref after the decision was overturned.Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis But he was snubbed by the official, much to the enjoyment of Hoddle.He said: “He thought he was gonna shake his hands there.”The referee went for the ball and he went to shake hands for the referee.”Tottenham narrowly escaped the PreZero Arena with all three points, running out 3-2 winners in their penultimate group match. More

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      ‘Sack every Championship official’ blast fans as goal is ‘given’ then ruled out WITHOUT VAR as Sky Sports pundits fume

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      SUNDERLAND were controversially denied a second goal against Derby last night.The Black Cats had gone 1-0 up in the 28th minute courtesy of Eliezer Mayenda’s opener.Wilson Isidor’s goal was controversially disallowedCredit: Sky SportsWilson Isidor thought he’d put Sunderland 2-0 upCredit: RexReferee Sam Allison eventually disallowed the goalCredit: RexIn the second-half, it seemed that they’d scored a second.Jobe Bellingham lofted the ball over the top to new boy Enzo Le Fee.As the covering defender attempted to tackle the Frenchman, the ball ricocheted kindly to Wilson Isidor,The forward thought he’d redeemed himself for his two penalty misses at Burnley on Friday night, when he converted past goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIsidor celebrated his goal, which was initially given by referee Sam Allison.After much deliberation, however, the goal was dramatically chalked off – despite there being no VAR in the Championship.Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was baffled by the decision, later telling the BBC: “I don’t know, really. Maybe with VAR we could analyse the first ball and maybe an offside, but I don’t think it was that decision.”It was higher up the pitch and at the moment we don’t know.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYReplays showed that neither Le Fee nor Isidor had been offside.Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison couldn’t believe what he was seeing.Jonjo Shelvey completes shock Championship transfer after six-cap England star, 32, saw contract TORN UP by Turkish clubAppearing on Soccer Special, he said: “You tell me why. Because the goal should have stood. He’s gone over to the bench and celebrated, then they said he disallowed the goal.”He was onside, they showed the replay, it’s a great ball. The goal was given, it was pointed, it’s a good ball. They watched it again, Le Fee does well here. Tell me if there’s a foul in this build-up.”No foul whatsoever at all. Isidor puts it into the net, into the net, under the side of the crossbar, goes and celebrates. There’s no VAR here, the referee had pointed back to the spot, the ball was on the spot. Look, he’s onside, so why has it not stood, the goal?”Oh, please tell me this, because I’m confused there. He’s not offside. The assistant flag’s down, all the way. All the way down, he puts it in the net, the referee looks at his assistant, the assistant goes, goal stands, he goes and celebrates, then they disallow the goal.”Could be the fourth official. That’s the only thing that you can think of, because he pointed, there was a celebration. If the referee needs the fourth assistant to where he is on the touchline, wow.”‘GENUINELY OUTRAGEOUS’Fans were left in disbelief, with one writing on social media: “This is genuinely outrageous. I’m mind blown. Sack every Championship official ffs.”While a second fumed: “This should result in the ref and the linesman never officiating another game. Utterly ridiculous.”Isidor himself posted: “Don’t even know what to say…”Other fans, however, seemed to identify a reason for the goal being disallowed.As the defender got back in to challenge Le Fee, the ball appeared to ricochet off the Roma loanee’s arm, before falling to Isidor.FA rules state that an offence has been committed if a player “scores in the opponents’ goal immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental”.It is not clear if that still applies in this situation, however, given that it was Isidor who scored, rather than Le Fee.READ MORE SUN STORIESSunderland’s win saw them leapfrog Burnley into third in the Championship table.Scott Parker’s side will have the opportunity to move back ahead of the Black Cats when they take on Plymouth Argyle at Home Park.Isidor and Co moved up to third in the Championship tableCredit: Reuters More

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      Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viral

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      THIS it the hilarious moment Nottingham Forest fans jokingly tried to bribe ref Anthony Taylor during their win over Southampton.Forest moved level on points with second-place Arsenal thanks to a 3-2 victory at the City Ground on Sunday.Nottingham Forest fans jokingly attempted to bribe Anthony Taylor’s VAR decisionThe check ruled out Nikola Milenkovic’s goal in the 3-2 win over SouthamptonCredit: PAFirst-half goals from Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood set Nuno Espirito Santo’s men on their way.And Forest showed their defensive grit as Southampton threatened a late comeback through strikes from Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu.However, at one stage the hosts looked to have been completely clear as they took a 4-1 lead through Nikola Milenkovic’s powerful header.Ref Taylor had originally let the goal stand before VAR intervened and advised a check at the pitch-side monitor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut as the official went to watch the footage, Forest fans behind the screen hilariously waved credit cards and wallets at him in a jokey attempt to bribe and sway his decision.The clip of the moment quickly went viral, with one saying: “This is really funny.”Another declared: “He’s asking it to swipe.”One noted: “This country and banter.”Most read in FootballAnother added: “Insane.”Unfortunately for Forest fans, watching the VAR footage instead prompted Taylor to rule out Milenkovic’s goal.Fans hail ‘pure class’ Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis for what he did after Forest keep dream title hopes aliveThe decision was made due to teammate Wood interfering in play from an offside position.A statement from the Premier League Match Centre read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked by VAR, who deemed that Wood interfered with play after coming from an offside position.“After an on-field review, the referee overturned the original decision and the goal was disallowed.”Forest boss Santo also had his say on the strike being ruled out, adding: “I saw the image, VAR judge it, the law is clear.“If a player is offside, has contact and interferes, the goal should be disallowed. Nothing to say about that.” More

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      Man Utd get lucky escape as Joao Pedro goal controversially ruled out by VAR for foul on Diogo Dalot

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      MANCHESTER UNITED got a lucky escape as VAR ruled out Brighton from taking the lead at Old Trafford. The Seagulls were leading United thanks to Yankuba Minteh’s opener on five minutes.VAR deemed this a foul on Diogo DalotBut a mistake at the back cost the visitor’s and Joshua Zirkzee was through on goal.That was until Carlos Baleba dragged him to the ground – allowing Bruno Fernandes to level from the spot on 23 minutes.The game was level when Brighton got a free-kick ten minutes after the break. And in a calamitous display of defending at the back, Joao Pedro pounced in the box to score. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut after a VAR check, Jan Paul van Hecke was adjudged to have fouled Diogo Dalot in the build up. Dalot just got his foot to the ball first, with Van Hecke following through and nicking his boot – enough for it to be deemed a foul. Premier League’s Match Centre service clarified: “The referee’s call of goal was checked by VAR, who deemed there was a foul by van Hecke on Dalot in the build-up and recommended an on-field review. “The referee overturned the original decision and the goal was disallowed.”Most read in FootballBut United’s blushes were spared only momentarily as minutes later Kaoru Mitoma converted from a back post cross to make it 2-1.And a calamitous mistake from keeper Andre Onana gifted Georginio Rutter the chance to make it 3-1 and seal the victory.It leaves United 13th in the league. More

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      ‘This seriously needs investigating’ – Arsenal fans lose their heads over Premier League tweet about disallowed goal

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      ARSENAL fans were left fuming after the Premier League addressed VAR’s controversial decision to disallow Mikel Merino’s last-gasp winner against Aston Villa.The Gunners dropped crucial points at the Emirates to Villa as two second-half goals within eight minutes by Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz’s strikes.Arsenal thought they’d earned all three points when Mikel Merino’s strike deflected off Kai Havertz and into the netCredit: RexBut VAR determined that the ball had hit Havertz’s handArsenal fans were furious with the Premier League’s tweetHowever, the North Londoners thought they saved their blushes in the 87th minute when Mikel Merino fired a shot from the edge of the box and the ball deflected off the Germany international.The goal was awarded by referee Chris Kavanagh but VAR recommended that it should be disallowed for handball.The camera angles showed the ball hitting Havertz’s hand, though a minority of fans were unconvinced.And the wording of the Premier League official accounts tweet added fuel to the fire for Arsenal fans.Read More on ArsenalThat was because it stated that the ball had “clearly” struck the German’s hand.The Prem’s official account tweeted: “NO GOAL! @Arsenal think they have a third, but Mikel Merino’s effort clearly strikes Kai Havertz’ hand on the way in.”The Premier League’s take enraged several Arsenal fans who insisted there was no clear handball.Some even suggested there should be an “investigation”, considering this came from the Prem’s official handle.Most read in FootballOne fan tweeted: “Where? Where is the handball? Show me the hand ball!”Best new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesAnother commented: “It’s an absolute disgrace. It’s happened to Arsenal again. This seriously needs investigating now. The ball hits his side, and even it does hit his arm it’s not in an unnatural position.”A third wrote: “I mean, this photo doesn’t show it hitting his arm. I’m not saying it hasn’t, but I haven’t seen clear and obvious. THIS is what millimeter-action video would actually be useful for.”Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityThis fan said: “Feel so sorry for Arsenal fans. Clearly hits Havertz’s midriff. Even slowed down on VAR it’s clear to see. Go to Specsavers lads. I used to work there I’ll get you a good deal.”And that one stated: “Clearly? This is the official EPL handle…..Wow!”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      Meaning behind VAR’s cryptic four-word message to referee after controversial Chelsea decision made history

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      VAR delivered a cryptic four-word message to referee Robert Jones before he made history during Chelsea’s clash with Bournemouth.During the Tuesday night game at Stamford Bridge, Jones became the first PL referee to reject a red-card review at the pitch-side monitor.Marc Cucurella was fouled by David BrooksCredit: APThe decision was put up to a VAR reviewCredit: TNT SportsRobert Jones went over to check the monitor and made history by not giving out a red cardCredit: RexJones was told by VAR Graham Scott ‘It’s in your gift’Credit: AlamyCherries star David Brooks had allegedly committed a foul on Marc Cucurella that was originally worthy of a red card while the score was 1-1.Jones was sent to the monitor for review with VAR Graham Scott to decide on the possible dismissal.However, Jones ultimately concluded that it was a yellow card, thus making history by rejecting the decision to send Brooks off.Mail Sport have revealed that Scott told Jones, “It’s in your gift”, in relation to Jones having the final say on the matter.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe report adds that refereeing sources explained all options – take no action, yellow or red card – were available to use, with Scott’s comments a sentiment used by PGMOL in such scenarios.Audio of the incident could be broadcast to fans on the Match Officials Mic’d Up show, hosted by ref chief Howard Webb.Bournemouth took a 2-1 lead following the incident before Reece James slammed home a stunning injury-time free-kick.The Blues had taken the lead through Cole Palmer and dominated most of the first half.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, Justin Kluivert equalised early in the second half from the penalty spot before Antoine Semenyo smashed home a near-post shot to take the lead.The result leaves Chelsea without a win in five league games, while Bournemouth are unbeaten in ten games across all competitions.Chelsea activate Trevoh Chalobah recall clause just hours before he was due to play for Crystal Palace against LeicesterChelsea player ratings vs BournemouthCHELSEA failed to win for their fourth Prem outing in a row as they drew 2-2 with Bournemouth.Having taken the lead through Cole Palmer, things went very wrong in the second half.Justin Kluivert scored from the spot after a poor challenge from Moise Caicedo led to the penalty. Antoine Semenyo then put the Cherries in front.But up stepped Reece James to fire in a brilliant 95th minute penalty and salvage a point.Here’s how the players rated…Robert Sanchez – 5His (or Enzo Maresca’s) insistence on playing the “riskiest pass in football” almost cost his side in the first half, but he wasn’t caught out on this occasion. Couldn’t do an awful lot about either of the goals, a pretty average performance.Moises Caicedo – 3Was solid in the first half if not a little fortunate not to be booked for a few “tactical” fouls. However, he got caught out in the second 45 and gave away a penalty through a poorly timed tackle on Semenyo. Not the kind of performance we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him as his passes too often went astray.Josh Acheampong – 5Made a few good blocks and tackles in the first half, but was easily beaten by Semenyo before he smashed home the goal that put Bournemouth in the lead. Looked a little inexperienced out there, but you can tell he has quality – was taken off for Tosin in the second half shortly after the goal, who you would imagine will take the starting spot going forward.Levi Colwill – 6Imperious in the air and across the ground in the first half. Didn’t do a lot wrong truth be told, but no clean sheet cost him a higher score.Marc Cucurella – 6Stepped into his tackles well and was solid throughout the game, keeping David Brooks quiet on the right for Bournemouth. Wasn’t as influential in an attacking sense as we have seen him be this season, but still did a decent job.Romeo Lavia – 5Dominant in midfield in the first half, and was brilliant in transition, looking like a master of his craft. Unfortunately, a second-half mistake saw him caught out which led to the Bournemouth penalty before he was then booked for a late tackle. Was taken off shortly after he was booked and replaced by Reece James.Enzo Fernández (c) – 6Worked well as he had done previously when given the license to roam forward, knowing he had Lavia and Caicedo behind him. Bournemouth’s midfield had no answer to him with the ball at his feet, but as for many of the Blues, he was much quieter in the second half.Noni Madueke – 6Arguably deserved a first-half assist after he left a defender on the floor with a mazy run from the right-hand side, but Nicolas Jackson fluffed his lines in front of goal. Continued his good work on the ball in the second half and generally created some good chances that weren’t finished.Cole Palmer – 8Looked like he was out to impress from the start, with a cheeky nutmeg followed by a Lampard vs Hull-esque dink early on which didn’t come off. This was all before the 12th minute where he sat interim goalkeeper Mark Travers on his backside with a fake shot before slotting home for the opening goal. He created good chances too for Jackson, but faded pretty heavily after his goal.Jadon Sancho – 4Two nutmegs in quick succession was the highlight of his first half, but he was pretty quiet throughout the 90 minutes.Nicolas Jackson – 6His first half performance would have had fans raving about how he is the second coming of Didier Drogba. But his second half reminded us of why he’s not, with two huge bites at the Cherries missed that ultimately cost his side.SUBSReece James (Romeo Lavia, 56) – 8Made the perfect comeback from his injury woes, with a rocket of a free-kick guided into the bottom right corner. Looked strong and composed on the ball after his introduction.Tosin Adarabioyo (Josh Acheampong, 71) – 7Brought a bit more presence and leadership to a Chelsea team that looked as though it was lacking exactly that tonight. Had a good header saved by Travers at the death, you’d imagine he will be starting against Wolves.Joao Felix (Moises Caicedo, 80) – 6Did really well with limited minutes on the pitch after being bought on. A tame effort on goal was saved by the Bournemouth keeper, but it was his mazy dribbling that won the free-kick that James fired home to equalise.Pedro Neto (Noni Madueke, 80) – 5Didn’t get long enough to properly warm into the game and Chelsea didn’t find him enough, could probably count his touches on your fingers. More