October 11, (THEWILL) – The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has released audio of the conversation between on-field officials and Video Assistant Referees (VARs), which led to Chelsea defender, Malo Gusto, being shown a red card against Aston Villa last month.
In the match on September 24, referee Jarred Gillett initially only cautioned the Frenchman for a rash challenge on Villa’s Lucas Digne. However, VAR Andy Madley intervened and after reviewing the footage pitchside, Gillett upgraded the card to a red for serious foul play.
The audio confirms that the initial opinion of the referee and his assistants was that the tackle only warranted a yellow card. However, Madley felt that the point of contact above the ankle and the way Digne’s ankle buckled needed further inspection.
After being sent to the monitor by the VAR, Gillett agreed that the tackle endangered the safety of Digne through excessive force. The referee, therefore, changed his decision to a red card for Gusto.
PGMOL chief, Howard Webb, later backed the decision to intervene and review the incident, saying the outcome was correct, given the nature of the challenge. Gusto has since completed a three-match ban.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
