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Conte: VAR made 'big, big mistake' in Chelsea's win over Norwich

Clive Rose / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Antonio Conte took a break from his spat with Jose Mourinho to criticise video assistant referees.

After Chelsea beat Norwich City on penalty kicks in a replay comprising the FA Cup's third round, Conte said the VAR made a "big, big mistake" when Willian was cautioned for going to ground. The tie descended into chaos in extra time, as Pedro and Alvaro Morata were dismissed - both were shown a yellow card for diving - while the Brazilian attacking midfielder was booked for an incident involving Timm Klose.

Mike Jones was the game's video assistant referee.

"If we want to use a new system, I can't accept a big mistake," Conte said, according to the Guardian's Dominic Fifield. "In this case, the Willian penalty was a big, big mistake. Not from the referee on the pitch, who took quickly a decision to book Willian and didn't have any doubt, but from the person watching the game (Jones). I hope the VAR wasn't a referee because if you see that watching on television and don't think that's a penalty ... he has to improve. It was very clear.

"At least to avoid a big mistake, (the VAR has) to call the referee and tell him: 'Look, maybe this situation there is a doubt. For me it's no penalty, but it's better you go and watch it, and then take the final decision.' We need to improve if we want to use this new system. We have to wait to check with the person who is watching the game and then, if this person is sure 100 percent that it is simulation, go and book Willian."

Chelsea won on penalties after Jamal Lewis tallied a 94th-minute equaliser to force extra time. The Blues will welcome Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in the fourth round.

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