Ex-PGMOL chief: 'Violent' Brooks deserved red after what he did to Chelsea star
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Bournemouth winger David Brooks was “violent” against Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella and should have been sent off, says Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Welsh international was lucky to not be sent off for his second-half retaliation, after a coming together between Brooks and Cucurella earlier in the game which Hackett was highly-unimpressed by.
The Chelsea defender had previously blocked the Bournemouth winger in the third minute of the game, leaving the former Sheffield United man down and in need of medical treatment, while escaping a booking.
The Blues and the Cherries played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in a game where either side could have won it (14 January).
A goal from the ever-impressive Cole Palmer gave Chelsea the lead, before Bournemouth leapt ahead through a Justin Kluivert penalty and a powerful Antoine Semenyo effort.
Reece James then scored a last-gasp equaliser in the 95th minute, just as the Cherries thought they had stolen a memorable victory at Stamford Bridge.
David Brooks should have been shown a red card as Bournemouth man gets lucky
Having felt clearly aggrieved at the challenge he received from Cucurella in the first-half, Brooks then got his payback by grabbing at the Spaniard’s face as he looked to sprint up the pitch on a fast break in the 52nd minute.
It was a rash reaction from the Welshman who risked reducing his side to ten-men with his moment of recklessness.
Former PGMOL chief, Hackett speaking to Football Insider, criticised the refereeing decision by saying: “It was evident that in that early exchange the Chelsea player should have received a yellow card for his off the ball offence on Brooks.
“This incident should have heightened the risk of a potential retaliation.
“The VAR with the opportunity of replaying Brooks challenge clearly believed that it was an act of Violent Conduct.
“VAR cannot request the referee to review the monitor unless after his interrogation of the incident he believes it should be a red card.
“Brooks is guilty of a violent act and should have been shown the red card.”
Had Brooks been sent off, as Hackett believes should have been the case, the likelihood is that Enzo Maresca’s side would have been able to run away with the game, leaving the Cherries with nothing to show for their efforts.
The game against Bournemouth once again highlighted Chelsea’s weaknesses defensively, as they weigh up a decision to recall Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace.
In other news, the Cherries are currently battling Palace for one of their main January transfer targets.
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The post Ex-PGMOL chief: 'Violent' Brooks deserved red after what he did to Chelsea star appeared first on Football Insider.
