Keith Hackett slams officials over VAR controversy in Chelsea v Crystal Palace

01/04/2025 01:18 PM

Chelsea were wrongly denied a penalty as they were held in their clash with Crystal Palace, Keith Hackett has said.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee exclusively told Football Insider that Tyrick Mitchell was “careless” when challenging Pedro Neto inside his own area in the game at Selhurst Park.

Enzo Maresca saw his side fail to win for a fourth consecutive game as they were held to a 1-1 draw by the Eagles on Saturday (4 January).

Things though might have been different had Chelsea been awarded what it seems many believe should have been a spot-kick in that game.

Chelsea denied Pedro Neto claim in Crystal Palace draw

Things had started well for the visitors at Selhurst Park in that game, with Jadon Sancho producing an excellent assist to set-up Cole Palmer to open the scoring.

After that ensured they held a 1-0 half-time lead, Chelsea felt they should have been given the opportunity to double their advantage from the spot 63 minutes into the match.

As the ball fell to Neto just inside the Palace area, Mitchell slid in with a challenge that brought down his opponent but appeared to make little if any contact with the ball.

Referee Tim Robinson waved away claims for a penalty, a decision that was also backed up by the VAR officials working on the game.

Others such as Paul Merson and Mike Dean however, felt Chelsea should have been awarded a penalty, and Hackett agrees that the visitors should have been given a spot kick.

Speaking to Football Insider about the incident, the former referee said:

“This is a ‘careless challenge’ by the Palace player that should have resulted in the award of a penalty kick.

“The Palace player misses the ball bringing down his opponent down to the ground. A foul and penalty kick.”

Having been denied that penalty, Chelsea then lost their lead 15 minutes later when Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised for Palace, ensuring both sides settled for a point.

As a result, Enzo Maresca’s team now sit fourth in the Premier League table, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, having played two games more.

In other news, Chelsea fans want two players sold after the latest Enzo Maresca update.

For more Chelsea news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Keith Hackett slams officials over VAR controversy in Chelsea v Crystal Palace appeared first on Football Insider.