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Gary Lineker has raised questions over VAR's process after Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo's red card against Arsenal. The Ecuador international was sent off during the first-half after a challenge on Mikel Merino.

The Chelsea midfielder look to regain possession but made contact with the Spanish international above the ankle, leaving both players on the ground. Referee Anthony Taylor initially brandished a yellow card to Caicedo, but VAR intervened to reverse the decision and upgrade it to a red card.

Lineker believed the technology made the challenge appear more severe than it actually was.

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Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said: "I don't think they should have slow motion for things like that, it's a bit like when they have still shots of feet.

"His foot wasn't raised; it was a millisecond late, and the slow motion makes it look terrible. So I understand why they would possibly overturn the decision but I mean, really? I don't think that would have been a foul in my day, let alone a red card.

"I just think, slow motion distorts what actually happens because it's, 'hit the ball' [ricochet motion] and your foot bounces.

"If he's got his foot in the air, that used to be over the ball, red card, definitely. It looks terrible in slow motion but when I see it in normal, it's just a fraction [late]."

Despite being down to ten men, Chelsea took the lead when Trevoh Chalobah's header found the net to break the deadlock in the second half. Nevertheless, Bukayo Saka's delivery was nodded home by Merino to level the scores.

Both teams had opportunities to claim all three points in the dying moments, with the Gunners pressing to extend their advantage at the Premier League summit.

They were unable to do so and couldn't take advantage of Manchester City's stumble against Leeds United on Saturday, seeing their lead at the top cut to five points.

Merino acknowledged he was fortunate to escape serious harm following the "horrible" tackle from his Chelsea opponent.

"I felt my ankle go all the way but luckily I have very mobile ankles and body," he said. "I knew it was a horrible challenge and it was going to be a red card."

Lineker's claim comes nearly two years after the former Match of the Day host was compelled to reverse his stance on the technology.

The 65-year-old had backed the introduction of the video assistant referee, hoping to reduce errors and rid football of its major controversies.

Yet in December 2023, he was forced to confess his regret at supporting VAR after Kai Havertz's goal was disallowed against Aston Villa by VAR for handball.

He said: "Well I have to say, I really don't like VAR very much anymore.

"I was one of those that advocated for it and I actually feel quite guilty and I was definitely wrong. It's spoiling the game."