Chaos at Tottenham as Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech shown red card for pushing Emerson Royal in face before referee withdraws it and calls him back

Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech had a red card withdrawn after a VAR review during his side’s Premier League match against Tottenham.

In a slow-paced but characteristically feisty derby things got out of hand in first-half stoppage time after an on field clash.

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Sky Sports

The match eventually ended 2-0 to Spurs, who came away with the win when they’d earlier thought they had a man advantage

Spurs’ Richarlison had possession on the halfway line, but was taken off the ball by a barge from Moroccan World Cup star Ziyech.

A number of players instantly jumped to the Brazilian’s defence in one of a number of flashpoints during the opening 45 minutes.

A melee was sparked, with Spurs’ Emerson Royal charging into the back of Ziyech, and as some shoves were dealt out, Emerson staggered back and went to ground.

Referee Stuart Attwell produced a red card for Ziyech, but after consulting with his pitch side monitor, he rescinded the sending off, and gave the Moroccan a yellow.

Replays appeared to show that Ziyech’s shove was on Emerson’s shoulder, catching his face on the follow through.

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The Blues winger threw his arms up in disgust at the initial decision and shook his head, but had barely left the pitch before it was overturned.

He didn’t last much longer anyway, though, being taken off by Graham Potter in the 62nd minute of the derby defeat.

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