Eze scores brilliant free-kick - but VAR finds obscure flaw

4 godzin temu

Eberechi Eze's spectacular free-kick goal was ruled out in Crystal Palace's Premier League opener against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge following a VAR review. The powerful strike beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but the goal was disallowed due to an obscure rule violation by Palace captain Marc Guehi.

Guehi had positioned himself too close to Chelsea's defensive wall when the free-kick was taken. The Daily Star reports that Guehi physically bundled Moises Caicedo out of position while standing within the prohibited distance. Sanchez had deliberately left a gap in the wall to maintain visual contact with Eze.

VAR Review Process

Referee Darren England was called to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor by the VAR official. After examining the footage, England announced his decision to the Stamford Bridge crowd with a detailed explanation.

"After review, away number six [Guehi] is less than one metre away from the wall as the shot is taken," England told the crowd. "Therefore, it's an indirect free kick and a disallowed goal." The official Premier League rules state that attacking team players must remain at least one metre from any defensive wall of three or more players until the ball is in play.

Transfer Speculation Context

Metro reports that Eze had been a doubt for the match amid ongoing speculation about a potential transfer to Tottenham. The winger's involvement in the season opener came despite the transfer uncertainty surrounding his future.

The Daily Star describes the rule as "little-known" and "largely unknown" to many football fans, highlighting the controversial nature of the decision that denied Palace an early lead in the Premier League opener.

Sources used: "PA Media", "Independent", "Metro", "Daily Star"

Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.

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