Chelsea fans rage as Tottenham star Lo Celso twice escapes VAR red cards for horror Azpilicueta stamp and Mount kick
GIOVANI LO CELSO managed to dodge TWO red cards when facing Chelsea on Saturday, including a horror stamp on Cesar Azpilicueta.
In the first-half, Mason Mount was left writhing in agony after the Argentine lashed out following a foul from Mateo Kovacic.
A free-kick was given to Tottenham 28 minutes into the Saturday lunchtime clash after Lo Celso was upended but he seemed to extend his leg up against Mount as the England international appeared above him.
As if that wasn’t enough to enrage Frank Lampard, the player was deemed innocent after a VAR review for an apparent stamp on Azpilicueta.
A 50/50 challenge saw Lo Celso miss the ball and land agonisingly on the defender’s shin – which was not deemed serious foul play by VAR officials.
With no punishment dished out to the Spurs man, Chelsea fans felt the kick on Mount in particular echoed a similar incident involving Harry Maguire during Manchester United’s visit on Monday.
Likewise, the centre-back was deemed by many to have kicked Michy Batshuayi as they tumbled into the dugout, but escaped a dismissal.
However the Mount kick didn’t even see an official announcement for a lengthy VAR check – suggesting it was either quickly reviewed and dismissed at Stockley Park or ignored entirely.
That is despite Mount immediately joining Lo Celso on the turf in clear discomfort amid Olivier Giroud and Ross Barkley running in to protest.
Likewise, fans on Twitter launched into another tirade against the video replay system that has ruled against the Blues in recent weeks.
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Zack: “Another kick, blatant red by Lo Celso, not even reviewed by VAR. Why have it? It never works.”
Tom: “Is it me or has Lo Celso just booted Mount there? Man shrugging VAR not bothering with that one no???”
Saquib tweeted: “Lo Celso hit Mount in first half in thigh and now on shin to Azpilicueta. What the hell is VAR doing? Down with VAR, FA need to look into it.”
Tony added: “Lo Celso a very lucky man! VAR showing once again what a complete and utter waste of space it is!!!!”