Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted that he is struggling to accept Mike Dean’s apology after costing his side against Tottenham Hotspur.
The former referee was in charge of VAR as the Blues faced their London rivals, and Tuchel believes that he made several errors.
The first saw Kai Havertz brought down in the build-up to the Spurs first goal, before Richarlison was standing in an offside position as Pierre-Emile Hjojberg fired a low shot past Edouard Mendy, who was impeded by Richarlison.
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The most controversial moment of the match came in the dying embers, with Cristian Romero appearing to pull Marc Cucurella to the ground by his hair.
After a lengthy VAR check, Dean did not ask referee Anthony Taylor to go over to the monitor or advise on a red card for violent conduct.
Instead, the match continued and Spurs netted a last-minute equaliser in the 2-2 draw.
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Speaking after the match, Tuchel was critical of both Taylor and Dean for their performances.
He said: “But honestly, we also have VAR to help make the right decision. Since when can players be pulled by hair? Since when is that (not a foul)?
“If he does not see it, I do not blame him. I didn’t see it. But we have people at VAR who check this. Then you see it and how can this not be a free-kick and a red card?”
Since, Dean has written a column for The Daily Mail, admitting that he made a mistake with the decision.
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“I could not award a free-kick as VAR, but I could recommend to Taylor that he visit the referee review area to consider a possible red card. In the few seconds I had to study Romero pulling Cucurella’s hair, I didn't deem it a violent act,” he wrote.
“I’ve since studied the footage, spoken to other referees and, upon reflection, I should have asked Taylor to visit his pitch-side monitor to take a look for himself.”
Chelsea head coach Tuchel has since been asked to comment on the apology.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Leeds United, he said:“As I am not frustrated, I told you! It cannot add to my frustration.
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“Hopefully I am not too honest but if a mistake is that big and obvious, what’s the point in not admitting for the whole season?
“I struggle a little bit to be fully impressed by the statement I have to say. It’s so clear and obvious, I cannot understand how a referee cannot make the decision that was the right decision.”
Chelsea face Jesse Marsch’s men as they look to put the disappointing draw to Tottenham behind them and push on in a bid to win three points.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Mike Dean, Football, Premier League