VAR Graham Scott told referee Robert Jones “it's in your gift” before becoming the first Premier League referee to reject a red card on his pitch monitor by refusing to send off Bournemouth's David Brooks, and Mail Sport can reveal it. because.
Jones had to decide if Brooks covering Chelsea's Marc Cucurella was worthy of red. Fans felt Cucurella had a lock of hair pulled out in the process when the game was locked 1-1 midway through the second half at Stamford Bridge.
Jones was sent for a review by Scott to decide on possible dismissal. While on the monitor, the referee finally concluded that it was a yellow card, prompting an angry reaction from Enzo Maresca during his post-match press conference.
During the process, VAR Scott said “it's your gift” in relation to Jones having the option of taking no action, showing Brooks a yellow or a red.
Officiating sources have clarified that all options were available to the referee, and Scott's comment is a sentiment used by PGMOL officials in such scenarios.
It is a common phrase that essentially applies when a referee has all the options at his disposal, and the final decision rests with him as is protocol.
Referee Robert Jones was told “it's your gift” in a commonly used refereeing phrase from VAR Graham Scott
The call came when Chelsea's Marc Cucurella appeared to fall after Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks pulled his hair.
Although Jones was sent to the monitor to review the incident, he deemed it worthy of a yellow card.
Fans could still hear the audio for themselves if the incident is chosen for use on the upcoming Match Officials show Mic'd Up, hosted by PGMOL boss Howard Webb. It remains to be seen whether Webb will be okay with Jones simply booking Brooks, as the incident has yet to be reviewed internally.
Bournemouth took a 2-1 lead but went back to 2-2 in injury time thanks to a 25-yard free kick from Reece James as Chelsea avoided defeat.
Referees tend to speak in their own language; The word 'ghosting' is also used in reference to the moment a player kicks the ball in a clip, for example.