The Premier League has provided clarification regarding Chelsea’s lack of a penalty during the first half of their match against Liverpool following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s challenge on Jadon Sancho.
The incident in question occurred when Trent Alexander-Arnold brought down Jadon Sancho in the Liverpool box, stepping on the Chelsea winger’s foot as Sancho attempted to keep the ball in play.
Despite the contact causing Sancho to fall, on-field referee John Brooks ruled that no foul was committed.
Although the incident did not generate significant discussion on Sky Sports, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) conducted a review.
Chief VAR Michael Oliver and his assistant, Nicholas Hopton, examined the challenge but ultimately upheld Brooks’ decision after reviewing the footage.
In contrast, the on-field referee awarded the Reds two penalties in the first half, although the second was later reversed.
The first penalty was awarded just before the 30-minute mark after Levi Colwill was deemed to have fouled Curtis Jones in the Chelsea area.
The VAR team reviewed this incident and confirmed Brooks’ decision, ruling that the contact from Colwill warranted a penalty.
Then, just before half-time, Brooks awarded Liverpool another penalty following a collision between Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and Curtis Jones.
It was determined that Sanchez had played the ball before the collision occurred, leading to the reversal of the penalty decision.
An official statement from the Premier League Match Centre clarified the on-pitch drama, stating: “The referee awarded a penalty to Liverpool for a foul by Sanchez on Jones.”
“The VAR deemed that Sanchez won the ball and no foul was committed and recommended an on-field review.
“The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a drop ball.”
VAR ignited further debate in the early moments of the second half when Chelsea’s equalizer was initially disallowed.
Nicolas Jackson outpaced the Liverpool defence and slotted the ball past Caoimhin Kelleher at his near post.
Following a consultation between Oliver and Hopton at Stockley Park, it was determined that Jackson was, in fact, onside, leading to the goal being correctly restored.
The Premier League Match Centre confirmed this decision.
“Jackson’s goal was disallowed for offside on-field,” Premier League Match Centre said.
“The VAR checked and confirmed that Jackson was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.”
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