- The Premier League has released an official explanation after Moises Caicedo was sent off against Arsenal
- The Ecuadorian international lunged into Mikel Merino a few minutes before halftime, forcing VAR to step in
- The game ended all square with Chelsea frustrating Arsenal despite the man disadvantage
The Premier League has released an official statement after Moises Caicedo was sent off in the first half against Arsenal.
Source: UGC
The Chelsea star was shown a direct red card by Anthony Taylor in the 38th minute after a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino.
Taylor had initially given Arsenal an advantage, but after both players remained on the turf, Caicedo was shown a yellow card.
Why was Caicedo sent off vs Arsenal?
However, after a VAR review, Taylor upgraded his decision to a red card, handing the Ecuadorian his first sending off in his Premier League career.
Shortly after, the Premier League released a statement explaining why the former Brighton and Hove Albion star was sent off.
“After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Caicedo and issued a red card for serious foul play.
Referee announcement: “After review, Chelsea 25, makes a challenge with excessive force and endangers the safety of the opponent, therefore my final decision is red card”.
Source: Twitter
Number of games Caicedo will miss
The 24-year-old is now set to miss the next three games for Chelsea as a red card for violent conduct carries a three-match ban.
After the Arsenal match, the Blues will be away to Leeds United and Bournemouth, before they return to Stamford Bridge to play Everton.
If the red card decision and three-match ban are, upheld, the earliest Caicedo will play again domestically is on December 16 against Cardiff in the Carabao Cup.
This is a growing concern for the Blues as Caicedo’s red card was the sixth time a player had been sent off this season. Malo Gusto, Joao Pedro, Robert Sanchez, Trevoh Chalobah and Liam Delap have all served suspensions this season. Enzo Maresca was also sent off against Liverpool.
Chelsea hold Arsenal
Despite the red card, Chelsea remained the better team for most of the game and managed to nick a draw from the league leaders.
Chalobah opened the scoring in the 48th minute with a header, but Merino responded with a header of his own on the other end.
The result saw Chelsea cede second place to Manchester City, who beat Leeds United a day earlier. Arsenal remain on top with 30 points, five more than Manchester City.
While Chelsea play Leeds United next, Arsenal will face Brentford, while Manchester City travel to play Fulham.
Why Arsenal will be punished
In a related story, Arsenal are set to be punished by the FA after their game against Chelsea.
The Gunners will be handed a £25,000 fine for failing to control their players after six of them were yellow-carded by Anthony Taylor.
The North Londoners were previously fined in February 2024 after their game against Liverpool, which they won 3-1.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
