Eni Aluko: David Brooks 'lucky' not to see red for 'WWF-style clothesline' in Bournemouth's draw at Chelsea
Published 14/01/2025 at 23:55 GMT
David Brooks can thank his lucky stars for not being sent off in Bournemouth's 2-2 draw at Chelsea, according to TNT Sports pundit Eni Aluko. The midfielder was only cautioned for what Aluko described as a "clothesline" challenge on Marc Cucurella in the second half. Ex-Blues star Joe Cole was also part of the TNT Sports team, and thinks the challenge was retribution for an earlier incident.
'Lucky' not to see red or 'the right decision'? - Aluko and Cole debate possible red card for Brooks
Video credit: TNT Sports
TNT Sports pundit Eni Aluko thinks David Brooks was fortunate not to be red carded during Bournemouth's 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.
The Cherries surrendered a one-goal advantage in the dying moments, when Reece James netted a last-gasp free-kick.
But Blues fans had been left furious earlier in the game when Brooks was only cautioned after a coming together with Marc Cucurella.
The Chelsea defender was attempting to make an off-the-ball burst forward, only to be stopped in his tracks when taking an arm to his neck region.
VAR looked at the incident, but deemed it only worthy of a booking.
In a statement on X, they said: "Upon review, the referee deemed that the challenge on Cucurella was a reckless action and not violent conduct – and issued a yellow card to Brooks."
Speaking on TNT Sports, Aluko said she could understand the decision, but suggested the midfielder was fortunate not to be sent for an early bath.
"I think it was a bit more than a coming together," she said. "I think Brooks is lucky to get a yellow card.
"I think it’s very clear that he stopped Cucurella on the counter attack. He’s come into contact with him; it’s pretty much a WWF-style clothesline!
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Highlights: Late James free-kick rescues point for Chelsea in four-goal thriller against Bournemouth
Video credit: TNT Sports
"But I don’t mind referees using a bit of discretion here. There was a bit of a coming together in the first half with Cucurella and Brooks. He didn’t give Cucurella a yellow card, and he’s maybe tried to balance it out.
"All things considered, he’s given him a yellow card. I’m alright with that. Other people will say ‘the rules of the game, it’s got to be black and white’.
"Referees have the discretion to go ‘actually, balance it out, yellow card for now and we move on.’"
Chelsea had taken an early lead in the game through Cole Palmer's excellent strike.
However, Andoni Iraola's side hit back after the break when Justin Kluivert equalised from the penalty spot.
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Iraola believes James free-kick should be ruled out for 'point of contact'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Antoine Semenyo then sent Cherries supporters delirious by making it 2-1, only for James to level deep into added time.
Things could have been different had Brooks been dismissed for the incident in the 53rd minute though.
TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole added: "It’s a difficult job for them [officials], because they’re trying to put words on it," he said. "What was that incident?
"Cucurella has done Brooks early on. Cucurella is as good as there is in world football at the dark arts. He’ll run into people. We’ve seen him rolling around.
"He’s one of those types of players that wouldn’t have got away with that in the 1990s and 2000s, because players would have sorted him out.
"But Brooks has had a rush of blood. He’s seen his opportunity and he’s done him.
"In that sense, Eni’s right; it’s a red card. Rule of the law. But I like it when referees can look at the player, understand the character, understand Brooks’ frustration.
"We all thought he was going off with concussion in the first half because he’s run into Cucurella’s elbow.
"I don’t mind referees having that ability, but when the PGMOL start to put names on it, it’s a very difficult situation for the referee.
"I thought it was the right decision, although I can understand Chelsea - I am Chelsea, I wanted Chelsea to play against ten men and win the game.
"I like referees refereeing the game like that. It stops all the nonsense. Players going down, holding their face and all that, which we don’t like to see."
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