Pundit can’t believe ‘scandalous’ Thiago Silva twist as Chelsea footage analysed
Noel Whelan has insisted Chelsea star Thiago Silva should have been dismissed after “deliberately” stopping a Crystal Palace attack.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the VAR officials were “scandalously wrong” to allow the 38-year-old to escape with a yellow card.
As seen in footage from Sky Sports’ YouTube channel (1 October), Silva thwarted Palace’s attack after Jordan Ayew robbed him of the ball.
He used an outstretched hand to swat away the ball with Ayew bearing down on goal, and was booked by referee Chris Kavanagh – a decision which was upheld after VAR review.
Silva went on to play a key role in Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Palace (1 October), providing the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s equaliser.
As quoted by the Daily Mail post-match, Eagles boss Patrick Vieira insisted he would make no attempt to seek clarification about the decision despite being booked for his protests – claiming there is “no point”.
Whelan insisted the incident was “the defining moment in the game”.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s a scandalous decision.
“Especially when you look at it again and again. It’s gone upstairs to VAR – how are they not seeing that deliberate action to stop a goalscoring opportunity.
“He’s the last man and he should have been sent off. It was the defining moment in the game.
“You’re looking at the referees to get these decisions right, and they’ve got it scandalously wrong yet again. It’s blatant for everyone to see, from the armchair to the stadium.
“Patrick Vieira must be furious, because it’s cost them the game.
“What’s the point in having VAR if they can’t get that right? It’s a shocking decision once again.”
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