Howard Webb, the chief of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), affirmed that the correct decision was made when Malo Gusto of Chelsea received a red card in the match against Aston Villa. Initially, referee Jarred Gillett had shown Gusto a yellow card for a foul on Lucas Digne, but the VAR review led to the card being upgraded to red. Ollie Watkins went on to score the only goal in Villa’s 1-0 victory.
The audio recording of the decision process, one of several recently released by the Premier League, was discussed by Webb on a monthly show where he provides insight into how decisions are reached.
Webb stated, “It’s a clear red card. The point of contact, the manner of contact, full studs up with a turned foot above the ankle. That significant buckling of the ankle strongly suggests that the player’s safety was jeopardized due to an excessive-force challenge. So, I expected the VAR to intervene in this case, and I believe the red card decision is accurate.”
The show also featured the audio exchange between the VAR and referee Gillett as they arrived at the decision regarding Gusto’s red card. A condensed transcript of their conversation is as follows:
VAR: “Just wait, delay, mate. I’m going to check the foul.”
VAR: “Alright, show me the point of contact. So, I see he’s approaching from a distance, he leaves the ground. Show me the point of contact, mate. Show me how far away he is from that ball.”
VAR: “If you look at that angle, he catches him on the… it’s quite low, it’s on the side of the ankle. The only concern I have is the swollen ankle. I think it’s a potential on-field review.”
The VAR then invites Gillett to the screen to review the incident.
VAR: “I’ve got a still image there.”
Ref: “So I can see the point of contact.”
VAR: “Yeah, that’s the point of contact. You can see, we’ll run it through as well. You can see the ankle buckle as well, also he comes from a distance and he temporarily leaves the ground.”
Ref: “Alright, can you show me another angle at full speed?”
Ref: “Okay, so I’m seeing point of contact above the ankle, with the right leg, momentarily off the ground with two feet. I’m going to change the yellow card to a red card, blue 27.”