'It wasn't violent conduct' - Dermot Gallagher backs referee Robert Jones' decision not to send David Brooks off for tussle with Marc Cucurella during Chelsea's draw with Bournemouth - despite being sent to pitchside monitor by VAR

Brooks was involved in two separate tussles with Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella. In one off-the-ball moment, Brooks appeared to take a swipe at Cucurella, prompting VAR officials Graham Scott and Sian Massey-Ellis to intervene and suggest a review for potential violent conduct and a subsequent red card. However, Jones decided not to upgrade the yellow card to a red, marking the first time a Premier League referee refused to overturn an on-field decision after being advised to review it on the monitor.

Speaking on Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Gallagher, explained his perspective on the decision and suggested that VAR may have initially believed Brooks had pulled Cucurella’s hair. He noted that the replay revealed Brooks grabbing the front of Cucurella’s shirt instead, which likely influenced Jones’ final decision.

"The VAR recommends a review because he thinks there's a possible act of violent conduct," he said.

"I wonder if the VAR thought Brooks pulled Cucurella's hair. It looks as though his hair is pulled back. Brooks actually grabs the front of Cucurella's shirt. The referee looked at it for a long time and discussed it.

"He came to the conclusion that Brooks pulled the top of his shirt which is why you get the clothesline effect. The referee deemed it reckless rather than violent because it was a grab of the shirt. His opinion was it stopped a promising attack. It wasn't violent conduct - he didn't grab his hair or throat."

Gallagher praised Jones for not succumbing to pressure and for thoroughly reviewing the footage before making a measured decision.

"It's all about has he grabbed him at the top of the shirt or by the throat? The referee has looked and looked. Rob Jones hasn't knee-jerked and given him a red card. He's studied it," he added.

Whereas, another ex-official, Keith Hackett, argued that Cucurella was lucky to stay on the pitch.

"Cucurella is beginning to become a serious offender in games, and match officials in their preparations should be aware that he is a player to keep an eye on," he told Football Insider.

"His act is a blatant unfair impeding offence for which he should have received a yellow card."

Following the controversial match, Chelsea will shift their attention to their next Premier League encounter where they are set to host Wolves on Monday.