The little-known rule that led to Eberechi Eze’s goal being disallowed is related to the distance of attacking players from a defensive wall during a free kick. According to the laws of the game, when three or more defending team players form a ‘wall’, all attacking team players must remain at least 1 meter (1 yard) from the ‘wall’ until the ball is in play.

The Rule

This rule is designed to ensure player safety and prevent interference with the defensive wall. In the case of Eze’s goal, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi was deemed to be less than 1 meter away from the Chelsea wall when Eze took the free kick, infringing this rule.

Application of the Rule

The VAR system flagged the incident, and referee Darren England consulted the pitchside monitor before explaining the decision to the crowd. England stated that Guehi’s proximity to the wall meant that the goal would be disallowed and an indirect free kick awarded to Chelsea instead.

Controversy and Debate

The decision sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some questioning the harshness of the rule and its application in this instance. Others argued that the referee was simply applying the rules as written.

Importance of Understanding the Rules

The incident highlights the importance of understanding the rules of the game and their application in high-pressure situations. While the decision may have been contentious, it demonstrates the need for clarity and consistency in refereeing decisions [4].