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Man United's Maguire should have seen red, says Lampard

Chelsea's English head coach Frank Lampard looks on during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on February 17, 2020. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /  (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has said Harry Maguire should not have been on the pitch when he scored his side's second goal in a 2-0 Premier League win on Monday after the Manchester United defender escaped a red card for kicking Michy Batshuayi.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was in the spotlight once again after Maguire kicked Batshuayi in the groin area in the first half at Stamford Bridge.

"Maguire should have been sent off," Lampard told British media. "That's clear, and that obviously changes the game."

United captain Maguire, who escaped sanction for the incident, went on to score a thumping header in the 66th minute to seal the win.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: VAR rules out a red card for Harry Maguire of Manchester United after he catches Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 17, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
VAR rules out a red card for Harry Maguire. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

"Decisions like that are crucial," added Lampard. "That's a major part of what VAR was brought in for: a second viewing, different angles. I don't get why they aren't looking at the monitor. It should be used."

VAR also ruled out two Chelsea goals from Kurt Zouma and Olivier Giroud in a frustrating night for Lampard's side, who went a fourth straight league match without victory.

"The Zouma goal should have stood," Lampard added.

"Giroud's goal being ruled out is a bit soul destroying but it's the culmination of a few incidents."