VAR actually made a big mistake during Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea (opinion)

01/05/2025 10:45 AM

Chelsea endured their fourth consecutive Premier League game without victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

A 14th minute opener from Cole Palmer was cancelled out by Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 82nd minute, after Daniel Munoz, who impressed Chelsea fans, did well to dispossess the England international.

It is a result that leaves Chelsea fourth in the Premier League.

However, Enzo Maresca perhaps ought to have seen his side receive the chance to go 2-0 up inside Selhurst Park from the penalty spot, after a challenge from Tyrick Mitchell on Pedro Neto.

Tyrick Mitchell lucky to escape VAR punishment after Pedro Neto lunge

During the second half, the Crystal Palace No.3 left the Selhurst Park faithful holding their breath after diving into a challenge on the Portugal international just inside the box.

VAR did have a brief look at the incident, but decided to stick with Tim Robinson’s initial decision, something we are seeing those in the booth over at Stockley Park do a lot more nowadays.

However, we feel those in control of VAR got this one wrong.

It is a very close call, but when you slow the footage down, you can see Neto just gets a touch on the ball with his right foot before Mitchell – who Tottenham want – wipes him out.

We are unable to embed the video for copyright reasons, but you can see it here on X (previously known as Twitter).

Interestingly, Eberechi Eze even appears to stop playing after Mitchell brings Neto down, which was telling – it seemed even the Crystal Palace No.10 himself felt his teammate had just conceded a penalty.

Having said all of this, Enzo Fernandez was fortunate not to be shown a second yellow card for a wild swipe on Maxence Lacroix in the 87th minute, so perhaps Robinson was keen to balance things out.

What Mike Dean said about incident during Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea

Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday shortly after the challenge occurred, Mike Dean said: “I think it's a penalty kick. I think Neto's got there first, knocked the ball away and Mitchell's caught him from behind.”

The 56-year-old officiated over 550 matches in the Premier League, so whatever you may think of him, he has the authority to comment on this situation.

In this instance, Crystal Palace seemingly got away with one, and Mateta made it count.