WE’VE BLOWN IT

Video ref was not shown vital Chelsea replay

The video referee who failed to overturn the key decision in Chelsea’s controversial FA Cup tie did not get to see the super-slowmotion replay that viewers at home were shown, it can be revealed.

Chelsea forward Willian should have been awarded a penalty after being tripped by Norwich’s Timm Klose in Wednesday’s third-round replay but was instead booked by referee Graham Scott for diving.

Those watching on the BBC saw a superslow-motion replay that showed Klose made contact with Willian. But video referee Mike Jones, who watched the incident more than 10 times on his monitors at Stockley Park in west London, did not have access to those pictures so could not correct the decision.

Those in charge of the video technology trials feel this was their first significant error and accept it is a work in progress. It is believed the officials are feeling the pressure to limit the time it takes for them to come

to the correct decision. One of the key failings is that Stockley Park does not have the technology for super-slow-motion replays.

BBC pundit Alan Shearer branded the system a ‘shambles’ while Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said the Willian decision was unacceptable and a ‘big, big mistake’. Chelsea eventually beat Norwich in a penalty shootout.

The video referee has access to 12 camera angles but does not see what is being broadcast on TV or listen to commentary in case it influences him.

The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd did not wish to comment but insiders know the Willian incident should have been overturned — and believe it would have been had Jones seen the super-slow-motion replay.

Willian, whose yellow card will not be rescinded, was one of three Chelsea players booked for diving. Pedro and Alvaro Morata were also shown yellow cards before being sent off.

The video referee will again be in use for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi- final second leg against Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday and for Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to West Bromwich Albion tomorrow week.

Video technology could also be used at the World Cup for the first time, with FIFA leaning towards its use in Russia.