Chelsea secured a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, but a penalty decision for the visitors sparked debate. In the 58th minute, Crystal Palace defender Jaydee Canvot blocked a goal-bound shot from Chelsea's Joao Pedro with his arm.
Referee Darren England was sent to the pitchside monitor following a VAR review, with VAR Matt Donohue reportedly insisting on a penalty because the arm stopped a goal. England eventually awarded the spot-kick and booked Canvot. Enzo Fernandez converted the penalty for Chelsea.
The referee's announcement, stating it was an "accidental handball, not deliberate," caused confusion among home supporters. According to BBC Sport, the International Football Association Board (Ifab) has previously clarified that preventing a goal with an accidental handball, where the arm is in a natural position, is not automatically a handball offence. This interpretation suggests the decision may have been a VAR error.
