Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has praised the officiating of the chaotic game between Tottenham and Chelsea, but conceded that one decision was incorrect.
Spurs saw their unbeaten start to the season ended in remarkable fashion as Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie were both sent off in a 4-1 defeat which included five disallowed goals and nine VAR reviews.
Romero was given his marching orders in the first half, shortly after Udogie escaped a red card for a heavy challenge on Raheem Sterling. The left-back joined the Argentine for an early bath in the second half for a second bookable offence.
While Clattenburg praised Michael Oliver, the assistant referees and those in control of VAR, the former chief referee believes Udogie should have been dismissed earlier than he was.
"Destiny Udogie was lucky for two reasons, Clatternburg told the Daily Mail. "One, because Raheem Sterling pulled his leg away to prevent a serious injury.
"Two, because Brooks did not tell Oliver that this challenge was worthy of a red. Udogie was airborne, leading with two feet, with studs showing."
He added: "This was mayhem, like some sort of sequel to 'The Battle of the Bridge' in 2016. That was the hardest match I ever had to referee and this game was as hectic for the officiating team to govern.
"There were crunching challenges, petulant kicks, penalty claims, disallowed goals, potential elbows – and that was only in the first half!
"It was the type of contest that required the officiating team to be at their very best. Referee Michael Oliver and VAR John Brooks had to apply the laws but also manage the spectacle, and they were tested to their limits with what happened here."
