A referee panel has ruled unanimously (5-0) that Bournemouth’s David Brooks was right not to receive a red card for his controversial challenge on Chelsea fullback Marc Cucurella during last month’s 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

The incident, where Brooks appeared to clothesline Cucurella, sparked heated debate over whether stronger disciplinary action was warranted. After a thorough review, the panel concluded that the referee’s original decision to issue no red card was justified.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was vocal in his disagreement, stating post-match: “They have to explain. If they give a yellow, that means something happened.” He further questioned the decision, saying, “So, how can they judge that it was not dangerous? The intention was just to go against Marc Cucurella.”

Despite Maresca’s frustration, Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes recently claimed that VAR is improving season by season, though incidents like this continue to fuel controversy surrounding officiating decisions.

For Chelsea, the panel’s ruling will feel like another missed opportunity for consistent officiating, as they continue their push in the Premier League under Maresca.