Chelsea and Tottenham VAR audio released as Howard Webb explains Cristian Romero decision

The VAR audio from Chelsea’s win against Tottenham last week has been revealed following several controversial decisions in the game between the two London rivals. The Blues earned a 4-1 win against Spurs in a game that saw two red cards and numerous disallowed goals.

Ange Postecoglou’s side took an early lead after Dejan Kulusevski’s shot deflected into the back of the Chelsea net off of Levi Colwill. The game descended into chaos after 15 minutes with VAR getting involved on a number of occasions – particularly when reviewing a potential red card for Cristian Romero.

After a scramble in the Spurs penalty area, Moises Caicedo scored for Chelsea – but the goal was ruled out for Nicolas Jackson being in an offside position and interfering with play. However, VAR reviewed an earlier challenge from Romero on Enzo Fernandez inside the penalty box.

Referee Michael Oliver was sent to the pitch-side monitor to review the passage of play pitchside before confirming a straight red card for Romero and a penalty for Chelsea – which was converted by Cole Palmer to make it 1-1. When assessing VAR’s decision to intervene and give Romero a red card, as well as a penalty kick to Chelsea, PGMOL chief Howard Webb explained: “What a great game this was; intense, a great spectacle for the Premier League.

“I thought the officials did really well on the field and also in the VAR hub. We’re seeing a situation here where a penalty is missed on the field, but these are not always easy to identify in full speed.

“I know the check took a bit of time, but the VAR had to go through that process diligently to establish whether Jackson was in an offside position, and if he was, which was the on-field call, then let’s have a look at what happened before that with Romero going in on Enzo…yes, winning the ball, but coming through with that contact above the ankle which is ultimately what the penalty and red card were awarded for. So excellent process.”

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Match Officials Mic’d Up host Michael Owen responded: “It’s clear to see that Romero gets the ball. Explain to fans why that’s not the be-all and end-all, why is it still a red card?”

Webb continued: “Just playing the ball in itself does not allow you to follow through in this way. We don’t see many contacts like this when the ball has been played and that’s for a reason.

“Players normally take care when playing the ball to avoid this sort of thing from happening and this clearly endangers the safety of Enzo with excessive force. When we see that full speed and in slow motion it’s a red card and it’s a good intervention.”