Chelsea told why late Reece James equaliser against Bournemouth 'should not have stood'
Share:
Andoni Iraola believes that Reece James’ last-gasp equaliser for Chelsea against Bournemouth should have been disallowed, while he also agreed with the controversial decision not to send off David Brooks. Blues captain James marked his long-awaited return to Premier League action after another spell out injured by finding the bottom corner with a late stoppage-time free-kick to rescue a share of the spoils for the hosts in Tuesday night’s thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea had led at half-time through Cole Palmer’s 14th top-flight goal of the season early on and created numerous chances to extend their lead, but Bournemouth survived and came roaring back after the interval despite their worsening injury crisis to equalise through Justin Kluivert’s penalty following a clumsy Moises Caicedo challenge on Antoine Semenyo, who later smashed home to put the Cherries in front.
James had the final say from a free-kick into the bottom corner in the 95th minute after Ryan Christie had fouled Joao Felix, but Bournemouth boss Iraola feels the dramatic equaliser should not have been allowed to stand due to interference with the Bournemouth wall from Marc Cucurella.
“I’m angry because of how the equaliser has happened,” he told the BBC. “I think it’s a clear disallowed goal, it’s a free-kick, point of contact. “Cucurella is touching our wall and doesn’t allow the yard it has to be and I don’t understand. I understand here, 94th minute, Stamford Bridge, the pressure, but there is someone in the VAR who only has to check this.
