Eberechi Eze’s stunning 20-yard free-kick was ruled out by VAR in a contentious decision during Crystal Palace’s trip to Chelsea. The goal was disallowed due to a breach of the laws of the game regarding defensive walls during free kicks. Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace’s defender, was deemed to be less than 1 meter away from the Chelsea wall when Eze took the set piece, infringing the rule that requires attacking players to maintain a minimum distance.

The Incident

The incident occurred during the match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Eze’s free-kick was a beautifully struck shot that would have given Crystal Palace the lead, but the VAR intervention changed the course of the game. According to the match statistics, Crystal Palace had 10 shots in total, with 4 shots on target, while Chelsea had 18 shots, with only 1 shot on target ¹.

Reactions

Fans and pundits alike were left stunned by the decision, with some labeling it as “disgusting.” While Eze himself has previously expressed frustration with similar decisions, stating that a disallowed goal “could have changed the game” in a match against Brentford, where his goal was ruled out for a foul. Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace’s manager, downplayed the controversy, saying it “makes no sense to complain” about the decision ².

Impact on the Game

The disallowed goal potentially altered the momentum of the match, with Chelsea dominating possession (71%) and Crystal Palace struggling to create scoring opportunities. Despite having 4 shots on target, Crystal Palace couldn’t capitalize on their chances, and the match ended goalless ¹.

VAR’s Role

The VAR system plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of refereeing decisions. In this case, the VAR intervened correctly according to the rules, but the decision’s impact on the game’s dynamics is undeniable. As the Premier League continues to refine its VAR protocols, such incidents highlight the need for clarity and consistency in refereeing decisions.

In summary, the disallowed goal sparked controversy, and its impact on the game was significant. While the decision was made according to the rules, it’s essential to consider the context and potential consequences of such calls in high-stakes matches.