VAR was right to rule Danny Welbeck did not foul Cesc Fabregas for a penalty – but timing is everything
Former Arsenal hero Cesc Fabregas went down in the box under a challenge from the England striker in derby
DANNY WELBECK’S tackle on Cesc Fabregas was not a penalty but there’s a credibility issue here.
The game went on for over a minute before it was stopped and the incident was reviewed.
There is no definitive length of time specified but as soon as that ball is out of the danger zone, the match should be stopped.
What would have happened if there was a penalty appeal in Arsenal’s box straight after?
Would they have gone back to the challenge from Welbeck?
Martin Atkinson asked the VAR to look at a first-half tackle from Victor Moses on Ainsley Maitland-Niles as he saw some contact.
CHELSEA VS ARSENAL LATEST
If the VAR had said he might have got it wrong, Atkinson would have looked at the incident on the monitor as it is an opinion — but the referee would have made the final decision.
But if Atkinson had pointed to the spot it would have stood, as it would not constitute a “clear and obvious” error.
COUT IN THE MIDDLE Inside the exclusive Barcelona retreat home to Philippe Coutinho, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez
After the game, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said: ""I'm sure the referee checked this situation [with Welbeck on Fabregas].
"I'm positive [on VAR] because when there is a big doubt it's right to check the decision.
"Everyone wants less mistakes in the game"
And Gunners striker Welbeck added: "I didn't know the VAR referral was for that incident.
"Once I get on the pitch I just want to give 100 per cent.
"We could have nicked a goal but we look forward to the second leg."