London Derby: Hakim Ziyech Red Card Turned Yellow After VAR Check; Tottenham hand Chelsea 2-0 defeat
Hakim Ziyech’s earlier shown straight red card was controversially taken back after VAR check during Chelsea’s desperate battle with Tottenham.
Hakim Ziyech’s red card taken back after VAR check
Ziyech’s red card came after a heated first half resulted in a late foul on Richarlison by Kai Havertz, which led to a brawl between both players where Chelsea’s Ziyech was seen clearly pushing Spurs player Emerson Royal in the face and hence, was show a straight red card by the on-field referee.
However, Ziyech was told to wait on the pitch for a VAR check as Stuart Attwell went to check the monitor and took back red card, replacing it only a yellow card for the slap that Ziyech had placed.
This led to an uproar from the angered Tottenham fans in the stadium numbering to thousands. The decision was upturned claiming that Ziyech had not intentionally stricken Emerson in the face, and was only attempting to push the Spurs player.
According to the laws of the sport, it is only considered an act of violent conduct if a player deliberately strikes the opponent or anyone else in their head or face with their hands or arms.
Kane and Oliver Skipp help Tottenham beat Chelsea 2-0 at home
Tottenham acquired an lead early into the second half of the match itself after Oliver Skipp scored a goal from 20-year distance at 46th minute of the match.
Later it was Harry Kane who sealed the deal for Tottenham and crushed Chelsea further beneath with a late goal at the 82nd minute of the match.
Chelsea, though matched evenly in the ball possession, failed to convert any of their 10 vainful attempts at shots. They have only been able to win two of their last 15 games and are 10th in the PL table, and 14 points off Champions League places.
Tottenham, however, are ranked fourth in the league table, having a difference of four points from the fifth Newcastle who still have two games in their pockets.
