Revealed: VAR's strange 'three-word message' to referee which sparked FIRST-EVER rejection of a red card review, infuriating Chelsea after David Brooks pulled Marc Cucurella back by his hair
Share:
Fans have been left perplexed by the bizarre three-word message VAR Graham Scott gave to referee Rob Jones after the official rejected the decision of a red card review for the first time in Premier League history during Chelsea's clash with Bournemouth.
![[Initially, referee Rob Jones did not penalise the Bournemouth player as Chelsea advocated for him to be sent off]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/15/06/94110591-14286537-image-a-3_1736923583349.jpg)
Chelsea had led at Stamford Bridge for the first-half on the heels of a sumptuous Cole Palmer goal within the opening 15 minutes, but were pinned back by Bournemouth after Justin Kluivert struck home a penalty five minutes after the restart. As the hosts sought to get back on top, Marc Cucurella on the left flank was keen to spur on an attack but was brought down by David Brookes in his own half with a challenge which appeared to involve the Bournemouth midfielder pulling the Spain international's hair.
![[Jones was sent to the monitor by VAR Graham Scott but opted not to dole out a red in a first]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/15/06/94110613-14286537-image-a-2_1736923580376.jpg)
While commentators likened the gesture to a wrestling clothesline action, Jones did not originally punish the incident, but was instead advised to consult the pitchside monitor by the VAR team over potential violent conduct. After a lengthy wait in west London, Jones handed Brooks a yellow card only - rejecting the guidance of the team in Stockley Park after being sent to the monitor for the first time.
![[Brooks instead received a yellow card for 'reckless conduct' rather than violent conduct]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/15/06/94110615-14286537-image-a-4_1736923593232.jpg)
But while partisan supporters in the stands were either enraged - or relieved - those watching at home and treated to Martin Tyler's commentary were confused by his reptition of Scott's words to Jones after he had made his decision. Marc Cucurella appeared to be brought down by a challenge from David Brooks pulling on his hair (incident ringed).
![[Cucurella has previously been the victim of similar dark arts which saw Jack Stephens sent off at Southampton]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/15/06/94110643-14286537-image-a-6_1736923632747.jpg)
