Thomas Tuchel has suggested that VAR made the right decision to rule out Maxwel Cornet’s late equaliser at Stamford Bridge. The German coach described Jarrod Bowen’s touch on Edouard Mendy as a ‘clear foul’ in the build-up to Cornet’s strike.
Reece James left his team in trouble with a poor head before Mendy came quickly out and parried the ball away before Bowen came into contact with the Senegal international. The Chelsea stopper quickly went down in pain as the ball eventually found its way to Cornet to finish from the edge of the box.
The goal was initially given before VAR interfered, and referee Andy Madley ultimately decided to rule the goal out. It left many confused with Bowen’s touch looking light, while others questioned Mendy’s ability to prevent the goal without the challenge.
Tuchel was unequivocal in his assessment, however. He told the BBC: “It was a clear foul on the goalkeeper. I had doubts about the first one – but I will not comment. Last time I got punished with huge fines. You give your opinion. You will not be fined.”
In his press conference, the German coach reinforced his opinion: ““It obviously went in our favour. There is a reason I think it went in our favour. It’s my opinion and I don’t know if everyone shares the opinion that it’s very clear it’s a foul.
The first goal we concede is very similar to the situation we had against Tottenham but I leave it to you to decide if this goal should stand and whether this situation isn’t the same situation as against Tottenham. I will not comment anymore because what happened against Tottenham was so obvious and I paid a lot of money for commenting, so I will not do it again.”
Regardless of the rights or wrongs of the decision, it appears that Mendy was injured in the collision, and Tuchel has cast doubt on his ability to face Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. The Blues play in the Croatian capital on Tuesday to open their European campaign.
Tuchel said: “He was in a lot of pain and we have to see. It’s too early to comment on that. I think at the moment he is a bit unlucky in what he is doing. In training, he is fantastic and he is in general a very calm and self-reflective guy who is aware that he lacks a little bit of luck at the moment.
“Things do not go in his favour. If he has maybe a situation where his action isn’t 100% clear, he gets punished for it massively. He is just in this moment and it feels like it’s not so much his fault. I have the feeling because he tries everything, is very calm and focused. We will keep on supporting him”
Source: Football London
