VAR has been at the forefront of so much controversy since its introduction into the Premier League, particularly involving Chelsea.
The technology has been scrutinized since its arrival. It was initially brought in to eliminate ‘clear and obvious errors’ but has since been used for just about everything when it comes to an important moment in a fixture.
Chelsea have been on either side of the stick – like most clubs. So, with this – here are the six worst VAR decisions involving Chelsea of all time in the Premier League.
Cristian Romero Hair Pull vs Chelsea
Probably the most scandalous one to begin with is the Cristian Romero hair pull on Marc Cucurella.
Tottenham’s Romero pulled Cucurella’s hair just before Spurs’ late equaliser at Stamford Bridge, with Harry Kane nodding in from the corner that followed the incident. The game finished 2-2.
Referee Mike Dean actually admitted he made the wrong decision after the fixture. But by then, it was too little too late.
Giovani Lo Celso Stamp vs Chelsea
Another major controversy against Tottenham Hotspur.
Giovani Lo Celso escaped a red card for his ‘clear stamp’ on the Cesar Azpilicueta back in February of 2020.
Tottenham beat the Blues’ 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, but VAR stole the headlines. It was a hideous stamp from the Argentine, but he escaped without punishment thanks to VAR not checking the incident.
PGMOL admitted to the mistake of “human error by video officials”. However, no retrospective action was possible as the rules state it’s reserved for incidents “not captured by the match officials or VAR”.
Tomas Soucek Handball vs Chelsea
Chelsea were left absolutely baffled in September 2023 as what looked like a clearcut penalty for a Thomas Soucek handball.
Conor Gallagher‘s shot from the edge of the box was stopped by Soucek, who slid in and diverted it with his hand.
Incensed, the Chelsea players appealed frantically for a spot kick, only for the referee to dismiss them quickly and VAR not intervene.
There was no apology for this one, and instead, it was argued that his hand was in a ‘natural position’ and didn’t make his body any bigger, hence wasn’t a deliberate handball.
We’re not so sure.
Matt Doherty Dangerous Tackle vs Chelsea
What is it with a Spurs versus Chelsea match that sparks so much VAR controversy?
This time it was in January 2022, when Tottenham’s Matt Doherty went unpunished after a horror challenge on Malang Sarr.
During the 18th minute, Doherty lunged in on Sarr and caught his left ankle, leaving the Frenchman in agony on the turf.
VAR remarkably waved off the tackle. It mattered little as The Blues won 2-0, but it was a truly awful decision.
Maxwel Cornet Disallowed Goal vs Chelsea
Okay, here we have the first decision to actually go Chelsea’s way… and it was definitely a bold call.
West Ham had a Maxwel Cornet equaliser disallowed following a VAR review at Stamford Bridge. It was alleged that in the build-up to the goal, Jarrod Bowen had fouled Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
It was dubious to say the least. Declan Rice, the at the time Hammers captain was furious. The English midfielder even took to social media after the game to express his frustration.
“That’s up there with one of the worst VAR decisions made since it’s come into the game. Shambles,” Rice tweeted after the game.
Kurt Zouma Disallowed Goal vs Manchester United
In a game which saw a lot of VAR turmoil, Kurt Zouma’s disallowed strike against Manchester United certainly caused a stir.
Club captain Cesar Aplicueta hit out at VAR in 2020 when Chelsea had two goals disallowed in a 2-0 loss to United at the Bridge.
The Spaniard was judged to have pushed Brandon Williams by VAR as Zouma swept home, but Fred pretty much did the same thing to him!
‘The goal by Zouma, I have to push Williams, but Fred pushed me so I can’t do anything else,” Azpiliueta told media after the game. “The referees on the pitch didn’t see anything.”
The Blues also had an Olivier Giroud goal disallowed in the same fixture for a marginal offence. Very frustrating.
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