Why Caicedo Was Sent Off But Bentancur Escaped

Why Caicedo Was Sent Off But Bentancur Escaped – VAR Controversy Explained

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca voiced his frustration following Moises Caicedo’s red card in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, questioning the inconsistent use of VAR compared to a similar foul by Rodrigo Bentancur that was only met with a yellow card.

Caicedo Sent Off – But Was It Consistent?

Caicedo was shown red after a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino, with VAR intervention upgrading his initial yellow.

In contrast, Bentancur’s similar foul on Reece James during Spurs vs Chelsea last month received only a yellow, and the VAR did not intervene.

“Moises’ is a red card, yes. Bentancur’s is a red card, yes. Why don’t they give him a red card?” Maresca asked post-match.

Key Differences, According to VAR

While both tackles looked similar, here’s what the VAR and Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel focused on:

• Caicedo’s contact point was higher, and he left the ground slightly — indicating excessive force.

• Merino’s ankle buckled and his boot shifted, further justifying the red.

• Bentancur’s tackle was lower, a step-in rather than a jump, and judged as reckless but not dangerous.

The KMI Panel supported Bentancur’s yellow by a 4-1 vote and unanimously backed no VAR intervention. They are expected to support Caicedo’s red.

Delay Confusion: Why Did Caicedo’s Card Come Late?

Referee Anthony Taylor played advantage and only booked Caicedo when play stopped — and after Caicedo received treatment.

VAR began the review during that break and waited for Taylor to issue the yellow before immediately recommending a screen check, which led to the red card.

Kavanagh Rejects VAR Red Card Recommendation

In another twist, Chris Kavanagh rejected a VAR recommendation to send off Jhon Arias for a two-footed challenge on Boubacar Kamara in Aston Villa’s match. Despite jumping in, the contact wasn’t deemed forceful enough.

This was only the second time in Premier League history that a referee refused a VAR red card suggestion.

Chelsea’s Offside Goal? A Missed Call?

Chelsea’s goal from Trevoh Chalobah also sparked debate.

• Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position during the corner.

• He was close to defenders Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, possibly interfering.

• VAR allowed the goal, ruling Fernandez did not impact play — but the decision felt inconsistent with recent rulings (e.g., Robertson vs Man City).

Should Hincapie Have Seen Red?

Shortly after Caicedo’s sending off, Hincapie caught Chalobah in the face with his arm during an aerial duel.

• No red was shown.

• Referee Taylor reportedly said: “It wasn’t an elbow.”

Referees assess:

• Intent

• Unnatural movement

• Force used

None of these were deemed present in Hincapie’s challenge. Yellow card was considered sufficient.

Verdict: Inconsistency Remains a Theme

Despite refereeing protocols and VAR involvement, consistency is still lacking in how red cards, offside calls, and physical play are judged.

While Caicedo’s red may have been correct in isolation, the comparison with Bentancur, and incidents like Hincapie’s arm, continue to frustrate managers and fans alike.