Eberechi Eze’s stunning free-kick was controversially disallowed in Crystal Palace’s match against Chelsea, marking a Premier League first under new protocols. Referee Darren England announced the VAR ruling to the stadium, citing a breach of rules regarding defensive walls during free kicks ¹.

The Incident

Eze scored a thunderous free-kick that flew past Chelsea’s goalkeeper, but the goal was flagged for review by VAR referee James Bell. After consulting the pitchside monitor, England explained the decision, stating that Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi was less than 1 meter away from the Chelsea wall when Eze took the set piece, infringing the rules.

The Rule

The laws of the game require attacking players to maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter from the defensive wall during free kicks. This rule aims to ensure player safety and prevent interference with the defensive wall. England’s explanation highlighted the importance of understanding the rules and their application in high-pressure situations ².

Reactions

The decision sparked debate among pundits, with some questioning its harshness. Former Chelsea player Chris Sutton described a similar incident as “scandalous,” while former England right-back Micah Richards argued that referees were simply applying the rules. Steve Sidwell, a former Chelsea midfielder, praised Eze’s strike but questioned the consistency of such decisions ².

Premier League’s New Protocol

The Premier League’s decision to have referees explain their VAR decisions aims to reduce confusion and provide clarity. In this case, England’s explanation helped clarify the reasoning behind the disallowance. This new protocol marks a significant shift in transparency and accountability in refereeing decisions.

Impact on the Game

The disallowed goal meant the match remained goalless at halftime, with Chelsea using the setback as motivation to regain a foothold in the game. Despite their efforts, they were unable to find a breakthrough before halftime. The match is currently ongoing, with Chelsea leading in ball possession (70%) and Crystal Palace struggling to create scoring opportunities ³.

Conclusion

Eze’s disallowed goal highlights the complexities of refereeing decisions in high-stakes matches. While the decision was contentious, England’s explanation provided clarity on the reasoning behind it. As the Premier League continues to implement new protocols, it’s essential to understand the rules and their application to appreciate the intricacies of the game.