 |
| 출처=TNT스포츠 SNS 캡쳐 |
|
Is there something special about Mark Cucurella's 'Bomb Head'.
In the 14th round of the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL) between Southampton and Chelsea at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton, England on the 5th (Korea time), Chelsea defender Cucurella's 'bomb head' became the decisive factor in the match.
In the 7th minute of the first half, Chelsea led by Axel Diessasi with an early first goal. He quickly dedicated the equalizer to Joe Aribo in the 11th minute of the first half, but Christopher Nkunku in the 17th minute and Noni Madueke in the 34th minute scored one after another to make the score 3-1.
The scene in question came in the 38th minute. Southampton captain Jack Stephens pulled Markman Cucurella's hair in a contest in front of the gate. The Video Reading System (VAR) caught 'trick' to sneak out Cucurella. Referee Tony Harrington returned from an on-field review and ordered Stevens to leave directly.
 |
| ReutersYonhap News |
|
 |
| AFP Yonhap News |
|
The scene immediately summoned the actions of Tottenham defender Christian Romero, who grabbed Cucurella's hair two years ago in a match between Chelsea and Tottenham in August 2022. At the time, referee Anthony Taylor declared 'No Foul' without looking at VAR, and Chelsea allowed an equalizer before the end and drew 2-2. Later, the judging committee admitted that it was a misjudgment, adding fuel to the anger of Chelsea fans.
Judge Taylor, who was at the center of the controversy, coincidentally was assigned as the referee for the 15th round between Tottenham and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the 9th. Fans are expected to pay keen attention to each decision.
The form of foul play with the victim is the same, and the perpetrator and the referee are different. This time he was given a send-off. Southampton, who lost captain and five-back key Stephens in the 38th minute, suffered a crushing 1-5 defeat in the second half, allowing back-to-back goals for Cole Palmer (31 minutes) and Jadon Sancho (42 minutes).
 |
| ReutersYonhap News |
|
According to the British daily 'The Sun', fans asked Stephens to return the armband on social media because he was not qualified to be captain. There were also fans raising their voices to leave the team right away.
Southampton failed to escape the bottom of the table with four winless games remaining on five points. On the other hand, Chelsea (28 points) jumped to second place with three consecutive league wins. Coach Enzo Maresca's 'Enzo Ball', who took office this year, is rapidly taking its place.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
