Chelsea fans have been left bemused after referee Graham Scott’s decision to book Willian for diving in the Blues’ victory over Norwich on Wednesday night.
Antonio Conte’s side came out winners at Stamford Bridge in their FA Cup third round second leg, but left the tie to be decided by the penalty spot after being 1-1 with the Canaries after-extra-time.
Michy Batshauyi gave the hosts the lead early into the second half, however the Blues were denied their first win in four by a late Jamal Lewis header to the force an extra 30 minutes.
Goalless AET, Chelsea then sealed victory from the spot, 5-3, thanks to Willy Caballero saving Norwich’s first penalty from Nelson Oliveira.
The matches biggest talking point however came in extra time, when Chelsea winger Willian was adjudged to have dived in the box by referee Graham Scott, who subsequently chose to book the Brazilian forward.
Video official Mike Jones did not think there was a clear and obvious error with referee’s decision – so they did not review the situation at length using the newly implemented VAR (video assistant referee) system.
However, upon closer inspection, it was evident that Willian was indeed fouled, leading to heavy criticism from BBC pundits – especially Alan Shearer who called it “a shambles” – as to why VAR was not used to correct Scott’s judgement.
The Blues ended with nine men as Pedro and Alvaro Morata were both dismissed in extra time for two bookings each, with both players shown their first yellows for diving. Morata’s second yellow came for dissent following his reaction to the first booking, however upon second inspection the Spaniard can also claim to have a case for being fouled.
While Chelsea were fortunate to be rescued by Caballero, and ironically Willian who scored the Blues’ final spot-kick, the Chelsea fans, and indeed others, have been left perplexed by the decision on the night …
Introduce VAR (too quickly) and then don’t use it for an easy decision to overrule a yellow card for simulation by Willian and correctly award a penalty. #CHENOR #FACup
— Graeme Le Saux (@graemelesaux14) January 17, 2018
@FA @ChelseaFC @willianborges88 Why are referees never held accountable and at the very least fined for their mistakes? If I, like many other people out there, made such a blatant error in a job we would be facing disciplinary action or get the sack! #chelseanorwich #Chelsea
— James Aldous (@JamesJAldous) January 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/OliviaBuzaglo/status/953749807964794880
Antonio Conte says VAR has to improve if it is to be used. He highlights the decision not to give Willian a penalty and to quickly book him. He questions why no check first before booking. #CHENOR
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 17, 2018
Norwich's Timm Klose told me after the game tonight his challenge on Willian that wasnt given as a penalty, was a penalty in his opinion pic.twitter.com/9BUjiG2K7n
— Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) January 17, 2018
Opinion split over Willian pen … foul or dive. I thought it was a penalty but highlights VAR is subjective where as goal line technology is objective.
— Ian Dennis (@Iandennisbbc) January 18, 2018
Have to admit VAR failed tonight. Ref decision to reject pen and book Willian was “ clear and obvious” error. Why not corrected ?
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) January 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/ChelseaGIFs/status/953751735457210368
The fact that that Willian penalty shout went to VAR and resulted in a Willian booking is a disgrace. Needs to be looked at ASAP.
— CHELSEA FAN TV (@ChelseaFanTVyt) January 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/jackdre02/status/953765937248985089