Premier League issue explanation after Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur escapes red card

Rodrigo Bentancur's late challenge on Reece James was judged to be reckless but not serious foul play, at the end of the first half between Tottenham and Chelsea . The midfielder was shown a yellow card for his tackle, leaving the Blues' captain frustrated with the decision.

The Spurs midfielder stopped a Chelsea break with his late tackle as players from both sides came together following the challenge. But Jarred Gillett only brandished a caution to the Uruguay international and saw his decision confirmed by his video assistant referee.

While Bentancur appeared to go in with his studs towards James' ankle, his action was deemed not to be 'serious foul play'.

Premier League Match Centre said: "The referee’s call of yellow card to Bentancur was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be a reckless challenge and not serious foul play."

Former Spurs ace Jamie Redknapp believes a red card would have been shown if the tackle had been higher. "He knows he's leaving a little bit on him," he said.

"He's late, he's aggressive, he's over the top of the ball. A little bit higher, it's a red card."

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