Football pundit Gary Lineker has called for a significant change to VAR protocols following the controversial sending-off of Chelsea's Moises Caicedo in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, 1st December 2025.
The Controversial Incident at Stamford Bridge
The pivotal moment occurred shortly before half-time in the high-stakes London derby. Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo made a late challenge on Arsenal's Mikel Merino. On-field referee Anthony Taylor initially showed a yellow card, but after being advised to review the incident at the pitch-side monitor by VAR official John Brooks, he upgraded the decision to a red.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Chelsea took a surprise lead just three minutes into the second half through Trevoh Chalobah's header. Arsenal fought back, with Merino heading in an equaliser from Bukayo Saka's cross. The 1-1 draw meant Arsenal preserved their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Lineker's Case Against Slow-Motion Replays
Discussing the incident on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker stated he could understand why the red card was given but took issue with the process. The former England striker argued that slow-motion replays should be removed when referees are sent to the VAR monitor, claiming they distort reality.
"I don't think they should have slow motion for things like that," Lineker said. "His foot wasn't raised, it was on the ground, he was a millisecond late for the ball and slow motion makes it look terrible."
He emphasised that the tackle, in his view, was an honest attempt to win the ball with no intent to harm. Lineker even suggested that in his playing era, the challenge might not have been deemed a foul at all. "I just think slow motion distorts what actually happens," he reiterated.
Shearer's Differing Viewpoint
Co-host Alan Shearer offered a contrasting perspective. While agreeing such a tackle was commonplace in their playing days, the Premier League's all-time top scorer believed Caicedo took a risk with a "naughty" challenge.
"I thought it was a bit naughty, I thought it was high and I thought his foot was planted and it was well above the ankle," Shearer analysed. He concluded that in the modern game, the red card decision was ultimately correct, praising Anthony Taylor for his handling of a scrappy, difficult match.
The debate highlights the ongoing tension around VAR's implementation in football, with pundits and fans divided on whether technology clarifies or complicates key decisions.
