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Daniel Sturridge has hinted that a golden VAR rule was broken when issuing a verdict on Moises Caicedo's Chelsea red card against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. The Blues midfielder was sent off for a late tackle on Mikel Merino, with VAR stepping in after referee Anthony Taylor initially issued a yellow card.

The ex-Chelsea and Liverpool forward subtly criticised the use of the technology, despite agreeing that the right decision was made.

He said on Sky Sports: "When you see it slowed down, it looks nasty. Initially the referee makes a decision to give him a yellow card. And they've re-reffed it.

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"They've gone with VAR. When you see it slowed down its a red card. It's not so bad in full speed.

"When you look at the challenge slowed down, it makes the referees mind up for him. When you go to the screen and see that slowed down, that's a red."

Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith had earlier remarked: "They're having a long look at it. He's come in at some speed and some force. "Well this could be the crucial moment in this contest. It's important they show it at full speed.

"He missed the ball by a split second, but he comes at it with some force, and his straight leg is what they are usually concerned about. He's going to be fortunate if he stays on the pitch here."

The Premier League themselves gave their verdict shortly after Caicedo's dismissal, with Taylor also providing an explanation for the upgraded card.

A post from the Premier League Match Centre on X read: "#CHEARS – 34' VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Caicedo and issued a red card for serious foul play.

"Referee announcement: "After review, Chelsea 25, makes a challenge with excessive force and endangers the safety of the opponent, therefore my final decision is red card."

Despite being reduced to ten men, Chelsea grabbed the opener when Trevoh Chalobah directed home a Reece James corner with a clever header.

Nevertheless, Mikel Merino levelled the scores shortly afterwards as he nodded beyond Robert Sanchez from an excellent Bukayo Saka delivery.

After Caicedo's dismissal, the Blues were clearly attempting to balance the numbers with Piero Hincapie arguably lucky to avoid a red card after catching Chalobah with an errant elbow.

An infringement from the Ecuadorian on Joao Pedro sparked further appeals but Taylor chose to keep his red card tucked away on this particular instance.

There were numerous cautions though, with Myles Lewis Skelly receiving a booking shortly after coming on for Riccardo Calafiori, who had also been shown a yellow card.