September 1st 2024.
Do you think Will Hughes should have been sent off for his tackle on Cole Palmer? Enzo Maresca is calling for a change in VAR rules after Hughes was not given a red card during Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday. Unfortunately, Maresca's wait for his first win at Stamford Bridge continues as Nicolas Jackson's goal was cancelled out by Eberechi Eze's stunning strike in the second half.
Chelsea's performance in the match was not up to par, as they have only won one out of their first three Premier League games this season and two out of their first five in all competitions. Naturally, the manager was frustrated and felt that his team deserved to win the match. One particular decision made by the referee left him especially annoyed.
Early in the second half, Hughes, who had already received a yellow card, brought down Palmer on the edge of the box. Maresca and the home fans were expecting the referee, Jarred Gillett, to show a second yellow and send Hughes off. However, this did not happen, causing Maresca to express his frustration on the sideline. Palace manager Oliver Glasner also made a quick decision to substitute Hughes with Cheick Doucoure, who was later involved in Eze's equalizer.
After the match, Maresca spoke about the incident in his press conference, stating that the tackle should have been a second yellow card and could have changed the outcome of the game. However, the fourth official informed him that the referee did not see it as a second yellow. Unfortunately, VAR does not have the power to review yellow card incidents, even if they could result in a red card. This was evident in Declan Rice's sending off for Arsenal against Brighton on Saturday.
When asked about whether VAR should be allowed to review second yellow cards, Maresca agreed and stated that it would be the correct decision. He believes that there is not much more to add, as it was a clear second yellow card and should have resulted in a red. However, the referee has the final say.
Glasner, on the other hand, believes that the referee made the right call in not giving Hughes a second yellow. However, he admitted that he should have substituted the player earlier to avoid the situation altogether. He also expressed relief that the referee's decision did not ruin his Sunday, as he admitted it was a mistake on his part to keep Hughes on the field.
In the end, Chelsea's performance was not up to par, and the missed opportunity for a red card for Hughes added to their frustration. Maresca will continue to push for a change in VAR rules, while Glasner will learn from his mistake and make better decisions in the future. Ultimately, the referee's decision stands and will continue to be the final say in such situations.
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