VAR

It is surprising in this country how we learn to play sports as kids without ever getting to read the rules. The “two-hands-on-it-is-keeper’s-ball” ‘rule’ is one we all get wrong, because the laws of the game do not in fact say that.

At no stage between the taking of the corner and the ball crossing the goal-line did the referee blow his whistle. The injury to de Gea, from which he recovered very quickly, did not appear to be serious, and was in any event inflicted by a team-mate.

“The disturbing reaction of Chelsea players bordered on violent, and the referee ended up booking two more players. In the cold light of day, it is difficult to understand what they were complaining about.”