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
Referee Robert Jones was told ‘it’s in your gift’ by VAR Graham Scott before becoming the first Premier League referee to ever disallow a red card on his pitch monitor by refusing to dismiss Bournemouth’s David Brooks, and Mail Sport can reveal Why .
Jones had to decide whether Brooks’ clothesline to Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella was worth a red card. Supporters felt like Cucurella had a piece of his hair pulled out as the match was tied at 1-1 midway through the second half at Stamford Bridge.
Jones was sent for review by Scott to decide on the possible dismissal. While on the monitor, the referee eventually concluded it was a yellow card, prompting an angry reaction from Enzo Maresca during his post-match press conference.
During the trial, VAR Scott said ‘it’s in your gift’ in reference to Jones having the choice of taking no action, showing yellow to Brooks or red.
Referee sources have clarified that all options were available to the referee, with Scott’s comment being a sentiment used by PGMOL officials in such scenarios.
It is a common expression that is essentially applied when a referee has all options available to him, with the final decision according to protocol being his.
Referee Robert Jones was told by VAR Graham Scott ‘it’s your gift’ in a commonly used refereeing phrase
The call came as Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella went down after having his hair pulled by Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks
Although Jones was sent to the monitor to assess the incident, he deemed it worthy of a yellow card
Fans will still be able to hear the audio for themselves if the incident is chosen for use on the next Match Officials Mic’d Up show, hosted by PGMOL boss Howard Webb. It remains to be seen whether Webb will agree with Jones simply booking Brooks as the incident has yet to be analyzed internally.
Bournemouth then took a 2–1 lead, but were reduced to 2–2 in stoppage time through Reece James’ 25-yard free-kick, allowing Chelsea to avoid defeat.
Referees tend to speak in their own language – for example, the word ‘ghosting’ is also used to refer to the moment the ball is kicked by a player in a clip.