Premier League explain why Rodrigo Bentancur wasn’t sent off for ‘terrible challenge’ vs Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur played host to Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, and Rodrigo Bentancur was fortunate not to pick up a red card for a nasty foul.

The away team opened the scoring after a comedy of errors at the back, allowed Moises Caicedo to battle his way forward and set up Joao Pedro for a simple finish from close range. That wasn’t the only bit of drama in the first half, however.

Indeed, just before the break, Spurs midfielder Bentancur went into a firm challenge with Reece James, catching the Chelsea captain with his studs. Jarred Gillet opted for a yellow card, and his decision was upheld by VAR.

This sparked plenty of shock, but the Premier League have now explained why it was not upgraded to a red card.

James ‘Disgusted’ By Bentancur’s Foul

As the footage shows, Bentancur lunges into an ill-timed tackle and leaves plenty of James. With the Tottenham star planting his studs into the ankle of his opponent, many would have expected a red card.

Journalist Simon Johnson took to social media to explain what went down, noting: “Bentancur could be in trouble here…terrible challenge on James. #CFC players are incensed. Only a yellow shown by Jarred Gillet so far.”

As Gillet opted against a dismissal, and with VAR not demanding further punishment, the Premier League issued an official explanation:

“The referee’s call of yellow card to Bentancur was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be a reckless challenge and not serious foul play.”

The suggestion that there was nothing ‘reckless’ about the tackle certainly feels open for debate, and with VAR not getting involved to upgrade the foul to a red card, Chelsea players were left incensed. Journalist Johnson spotted James’ reaction, adding: “Stays a yellow…James is disgusted.”