Chelsea were denied a penalty after Joao Pedro's appeal following contact with Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov towards the end of the FA Cup final. After a break in play, as VAR checked the incident, the Blues were left frustrated, with play continuing in a goalless first half.
Incident Analysis
Joao Pedro was lively during the first half and stormed towards goal, only for Khusanov to step across his line just as the Chelsea forward stepped into the area. The Brazilian and Chelsea fans on social media were convinced the contact from the Uzbekistan international was enough to warrant a spot kick, but VAR and a number of pundits disagreed.
Pundit Reactions
Alan Shearer, on co-commentary duties for the BBC, said: "I'm not sure he can get out of the way of Joao Pedro, I don't think VAR will do anything with that, I think he stands firm, stands in his way, and I think that's really good defending." Ally McCoist agreed on TNT Sports: "I think it's excellent defending. He just comes across and stands his ground. I think it's excellent." Steven Gerrard added: "It's a shoulder charge, isn't it, I agree with you Ally. Brilliant in the duel this half, both him [Khusanov] and Marc Guehi."
Social Media Backlash
Numerous replies on social media from fans disagreed with VAR and pundits, with some labelling it an "obvious" and "blatant" penalty. Others claimed that the incident would likely warrant a foul if committed outside of the area.
Second Half Controversy
The Blues were denied another appeal in the second half, with Enzo Fernandez's cross blocked by Nico O'Reilly in a fiery contest as Pep Guardiola's side targeted a famous domestic treble.
