VAR decision shocks Premier League rivals

Eberechi Eze's free-kick was ruled out after a VAR review for encroachment, sparking debate over the rule and officiating.

Major Premier League controversy as VAR strikes in Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze thought he had given Palace the lead at Stamford Bridge with a stunning free kick. The goal was ruled out after a VAR check led by referee Darren England. The reason was encroachment by Palace defender Marc Guehi on the Chelsea wall in the build-up, making the shot an indirect free kick and the goal disallowed. The decision was explained to the crowd after review, and Chelsea’s set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva was seen arguing with the fourth official. Pundits and players weighed in, with some arguing the call was harsh while others defended the letter of the rule.

Off the field, the moment feeds into transfer chatter around the Eagles’ Eze. Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a big-money bid, and the result adds a new layer to negotiations as clubs weigh performance, value, and timing. Eze, who had been expected to miss the trip, started the match, intensifying talk about his future. The episode also raises questions about how consistently encroachment rules will be applied across games, especially as managers prepare for upcoming fixtures and key set-piece routines. Chelsea now faces a tight schedule with a London derby against West Ham soon and a European tie later in the week.

The ruling underscores how modern rules and video review can alter outcomes in an instant. Encroachment on a defensive wall is an issue that rarely decides games, yet it did here, prompting debate over whether officials are applying the rule with enough consistency. The discussion extends beyond one match to the broader question of how stricter enforcement affects attackers and defenders, and whether the law serves the game or complicates it. The incident also reveals how business and sport intersect in football, with transfer interest in Eze adding a commercial layer to a moment that fans may remember for years.

Highlights

Officiating is a shared responsibility between referees and regulators, and the season will be watched closely.