Chelsea were denied a penalty in their Premier League match against Sunderland on Sunday, despite a VAR review. The Blues felt they should have been awarded a spot-kick when Cole Palmer went down in the area under a double challenge from Jules Ahoka and Luke O'Nien.
VAR confirms no penalty
Following a VAR review, it was determined that the contact occurred outside the penalty area, so the referee's original decision of no penalty was upheld. A statement via the Premier League match centre read: "The referee's call of no penalty to Chelsea was checked and confirmed by VAR. VAR: 'Confirming the on-field decision of play on, any contact with Palmer occurs outside the penalty area.'"
The decision frustrated Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on the touchline. Speaking on co-commentary for Sky Sports, Chris Sutton suggested Chelsea could feel aggrieved, noting that the Sunderland defenders were not even penalised for a foul. "I'm not so sure there's a touch on the ball from the challenging Sunderland defenders," he said. "Palmer is screaming for a foul. But he's hard done by there, Palmer. It's a foul isn't it?"
Chelsea fall behind
Matters worsened for Chelsea when they conceded an Enzo Le Fee penalty after Levi Colwill was "bullied" by Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey. Sutton added: "Maybe it's six for one, half a dozen for the other in terms of the holding, but Colwill clips him. Xabi Alonso's not happy but Brobbey warned his team. Colwill has been bullied by Brobbey. Sunderland deservedly in front."
The Blues arrived at the Stadium of Light looking to build on their 2-0 win over Manchester United the previous weekend and cement a top-four place before the November international break. The defeat leaves Chelsea's position in the standings unchanged, with the VAR decision and subsequent penalty proving decisive in the match.
