Referee mocked by Specsavers after Chelsea's Malo Gusto somehow avoids red card

13 January 2024 , 15:10

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Referee mocked by Specsavers after Chelsea's Malo Gusto somehow avoids red card

The decision not to give Chelsea defender Malo Gusto a red card during the west London derby with Fulham prompted some teasing from none other than Specsavers.

The Blues welcomed neighbours Fulham to Stamford Bridge for Saturday's early kick-off and eventually held on to register a 1-0 victory. The only goal of the game came in the form of a Cole Palmer penalty in first-half stoppage time after Raheem Sterling was brought down by Issa Diop.

However, a debate surrounding whether Chelsea should have been reduced to 10 men while the scoreline was still 0-0 dominated the half-time discourse. Gusto was guilty of a brutal challenge on former Blues ace Willian, catching the Brazilian late and high on the ankle.

Willian was left writhing around on the turf in agony, while Gusto faced a nervy wait to see if he was going to receive his marching orders. However, following a brief VAR review, Anthony Taylor was told to stick with the on-field decision of a yellow card.

Those associated with Fulham were not exactly in agreement with that call and nor was the bulk of social media. Optician chain Specsavers tweeted 'check your dms, in response to a video of the incident, implying that Taylor may need his sight checked if he can't see the foul was worthy of a red.

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Fulham boss Marco Silva has since addressed the incident and made clear that he feels Gusto should have been punished more severely. "It was a clear red card," claimed the Portuguese coach while speaking to TNT Sports at the end of the game.

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Marco Silva felt Malo Gusto should have been dismissed for this tackle on Willian (TNT Sports)

"We have to talk about the red card for Gusto, it was clear. It is hard to see how things aren't consistent at the level that we're at. This is the Premier League. In 10 of those moments, nine times it is a red card. it is a clear red card for me. VAR checked and this time they didn't give.

"I haven't spoken to the officials. I don't want to say what the fourth official said. He has the same opinion as me but it is not for him to say, it is for the VAR to decide. It is a normal decision from the referee but the help should come from the VAR."

Josh O'Brien