‘Sending off spoiled spectacle’

THOMAS TUCHEL bemoaned the VAR decision that he felt spoiled Chelsea’s showdown with Liverpool — but still came away from Anfield in high spirits.

Chelsea did nothing to dissuade the idea that they are potential Premier League champions after grinding out a 1-1 draw on Merseyside, despite playing for 45 minutes with 10 men.

Reece James was sent off for handling Sadio Mane’s goal-bound effort after referee Anthony Taylor went to view his pitchside monitor. When the official gave a penalty, which was converted by Mo Salah, Tuchel erupted at fourth official Craig Pawson.

Tuchel claimed Taylor had only looked at a still of the incident, rather than the full scene. The ball looped off James’s knee before he jutted out his arm and Chelsea’s head coach felt the circumstances ruined what was shaping up to be a thrilling game.

‘I think double punishments are super hard and it was a bit of a spoiler for the game,’ said Tuchel, whose side led through Kai Havertz’s header. ‘I do not like these early red cards. Nobody wants to see that for 45 minutes.

‘I would have wished that the referee made a longer consideration, rather than just the image. On the bench, we saw the full movement.

‘I can remember referees who explained if it’s a deflection and it’s not a very unnatural arm position, maybe he stays with the decision. How he made the decision was too quick.’

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp agreed that the fixture had been distorted, saying: ‘I would have loved to see how it would have been, 11 v 11, to have a look and see where we stand. It was such an incredible, intense game.’

A draw was a fair result, though, as Chelsea’s outstanding defending ensured they limited Liverpool’s opportunities.

Tuchel said: ‘The resilience and team work was fantastic.’