Chelsea failed to earn the maximum three points with their first home game of the season. Antonio Conte’s side had to come back from two different occasions to earn a draw at Stamford Bridge.
However, the two Tottenham games’ goals were not without controversies as in both cases there were incidences of fouls in the build-up.
The one that sparked a huge social media debate was Christian Romero’s handling of Marc Cucurella’s hair before the Corner kick that resulted in Harry Kane’s goal was taken.
Former Premier League referee Peter Walton has indicated that Christian Romero was lucky the referee was instructed by the VAR team to review the incident on the pitch side monitor.
What did Peter Walton about the Christian Romero foul on Marc Cucurella?
The former Premier League referee explaining the incident in The Times said: “He did have a case with his complaints over Cristian Romero’s hair-pull on Marc Cucurella.
“Pulling hair is violent conduct and Spurs were lucky that VAR did not instruct Anthony Taylor to go to the pitchside monitor.
“For me, there was enough force for an offense. Romero and Cucurella were clearly tussling from a corner once it had been taken, so the Tottenham Hotspur man was tugging hair once the ball was in play.
“Consequently, if violent conduct had been identified, Romero would have been sent off.”
Peter Walton also added that Thomas Tuchel should have also been seen as a red card for the way he celebrated Chelsea’s second goal.
According to Peter Walton, Thomas Tuchel broke the rules by leaving his technical area and crossing to celebrate Reece James’ goal.
“Thomas Tuchel was fortunate to be on the touchline at full-time.
“His celebration for Chelsea’s second goal, where he sprinted down the touchline, blatantly broke the rules against staff leaving the technical area.
“The German had already been cautioned for his clash with Conte after Tottenham’s first equalizer, and could have easily been booked again here.”
Thomas Tuchel is currently under investigation by the FA following remarks he made against Anthony Taylor after the game.
According to the Daily Mail, the FA’s next course of action will depend on the match reports submitted by the referees.
Tuchel is already facing a one-match ban after his full-time burst up with Antonio Conte.
What did Thomas Tuchel say about Anthony Taylor which is attracting investigation from the FA?
The Chelsea manager said when asked if he agrees with the Chelsea fans and players that Anthony Taylor should not officiate their Chelsea match again: “Maybe it would be better. Maybe it would be better. But honestly, we also have VAR to help make the right decision. Since when can players be pulled by hair?
“Since when is that [not a foul]? If he does not see it, I do not blame him. I didn’t see it. But we have people at VAR who check this. Then you see it and how can this not be a free kick and a red card? This doesn’t even have to do with the referee in this case. If he does not see something, that’s why we have people to check if there is a decisive error going on.”
