Revealed: The reason behind VAR's cryptic three-word message to referee Robert Jones that led to controversial decision NOT to send off Bournemouth star David Brooks after he pulled Marc Cucurella by his hair
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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.
![[The call came when Chelsea's Marc Cucurella appeared to go down after having his hair pulled by Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/15/13/94110625-0-image-a-2_1736949597276.jpg)
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.
![[Although Jones was sent to the monitor to review the incident he deemed it worthy of a yellow]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/15/14/94110613-0-image-a-6_1736949607393.jpg)
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.
