Revealed: The motive behind VAR’s cryptic three-word message to referee Robert Jones that led to controversial determination NOT to ship off Bournemouth star David Brooks after he pulled Marc Cucurella by his hair
Referee Robert Jones was told ‘it’s in your gift’ by VAR Graham Scott before he became the first Premier League referee to ever perform a red-card rejection at his pitch-side monitor in refusing to dismiss Bournemouth‘s David Brooks, and Mail Sport can reveal why.
Jones had to decide whether Brooks clotheslining Chelsea‘s Marc Cucurella was worthy of red. Supporters felt Cucurella had a chunk of his hair pulled in the process when the game was locked at 1-1 midway through the second half at Stamford Bridge.
Jones was sent for a review by Scott to decide on the possible dismissal. Whilst at the monitor, the referee ultimately concluded it was a yellow card, which prompted an angry reaction from Enzo Maresca during his post-match press conference.
During the process, VAR Scott said ‘it’s in your gift’ in relation to Jones having the choice of whether to take no action, show a yellow to Brooks, or a red.
Refereeing sources have clarified that all options were available to the referee, with Scott’s comment a sentiment used by PGMOL officials in such scenarios.
It is a common phrase which is essentially applied when a referee has every option at his disposal, with the final decision resting with him as is protocol.
Referee Robert Jones was told ‘it’s your gift’ in a commonly used officiating phrase by VAR Graham Scott
The call came when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella appeared to go down after having his hair pulled by Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks
Although Jones was sent to the monitor to review the incident he deemed it worthy of a yellow
Fans could yet hear the audio for themselves if the incident is chosen for use on the next Match Officials Mic’d Up show, hosted by PGMOL boss Howard Webb. It remains to be seen if Webb will agree with Jones simply booking Brooks as the incident has yet to be analysed internally.
Bournemouth went on to take a 2-1 lead but were pegged back to 2-2 in stoppage time via Reece James’ 25-yard free-kick in order for Chelsea to avoid defeat.
Referees tend to speak in their own language – the word ‘ghosting’ is also used in reference to the moment at which the ball has been kicked by a player in a clip, for example.
