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

Fans have been left baffled by the bizarre three-word message given by VAR Graham Scott to referee Rob Jones after the referee overturned the red card decision for the first time in Premier League history during Chelsea’s clash with Bournemouth.

Chelsea had led the first half at Stamford Bridge after a brilliant goal from Cole Palmer in the opening fifteen minutes, but were pushed back by Bournemouth after Justin Kluivert smashed home a penalty five minutes after the restart.

As the hosts looked to get back on top, Marc Cucurella on the left flank was keen to stimulate an attack but was brought down in his own half by David Brookes with a challenge that saw the Bournemouth midfielder appear to pull the Spain international’s hair.

While commentators compared the gesture to a wrestling line action, Jones did not initially punish the incident, but was instead advised to consult the VAR team’s on-field monitor about possible violent behavior.

After a long wait in west London, Jones only handed Brooks a yellow card, rejecting the team’s lead at Stockley Park after being sent to the monitor for the first time.

But while the partisan supporters in the stands were either furious – or relieved – those watching at home and treated to Martin Tyler’s comments were confused by his repetition of Scott’s words to Jones after he made his decision.

Initially, referee Rob Jones did not punish the Bournemouth player as Chelsea argued for him to be excluded

Jones was sent to the monitor by VAR Graham Scott, but chose not to hand out a red card the first time

Scott is believed to have told Jones: “It’s your gift” – a cryptic message that left some questioning the decision-making process.

In a statement issued after the decision, the PGMOL said: ‘The VAR recommended an on-the-spot assessment for Brooks due to a possible red card for violent behaviour.

‘After review, the referee ruled that the challenge against Cucurella was a reckless action and not violent conduct – and gave Brooks a yellow card.’

But Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was stunned after the final whistle that the Cherries had not been forced to go a man down and branded the challenge ‘dangerous’.

“If there is no intention to grab the ball, it is red,” Maresca said. ‘They gave a yellow signal, so something happened.

‘How can they judge that that was not dangerous? I think it’s red. Hopefully we can have better luck with the referee in the future.”

Cucurella has been the target of similar dark arts by opponents in the past, with Southampton’s Jack Stephen’s being sent off during Chelsea’s 5-1 thrashing of the south coast last month.

Referee Tony Harrington was sent to the monitor as on Tuesday evening on the advice of VAR officials after missing the incident, but issued a red card in that case.

Brooks was instead booked for ‘reckless conduct’ rather than violent conduct

Cucurella has previously been the victim of similar dark arts, with Jack Stephens being sent to Southampton

The Euro 2024 winner also saw his hair pulled out during a spirited 2022 clash with crosstown rivals Tottenham by Cristian Romero, although the Spurs player was not penalized after VAR Mike Dean failed to send referee Anthony Taylor to the monitor.

Dean has since admitted he “regretted” not taking action after re-watching the footage.

Following the incident, Bournemouth added to their tally through a whipped goal from Antoine Semenyo, which all but seemed to confirm the visitors would leave with all three points as the tie entered stoppage time.

However, Chelsea managed to pull a point back through returning captain Reece James, whose free-kick helped level the score and save his side’s hopes as the hosts narrowly escaped defeat.

Maresca’s side will be chasing their first win in five Premier League matches against Wolves on Monday in a bid to strengthen their now shaky position in the top four.