PGMOL issue statement after Eberechi Eze's goal vs Chelsea controversially ruled out

The PGMOL have explained why Eberechi Eze's goal for Crystal Palace against Chelsea was controversially ruled out. Eze, 27, hammered a free-kick past Robert Sanchez in the first half at Stamford Bridge, seemingly putting Palace 1-0 up.

But an ominous VAR check ensued and the goal was chalked off. Officials at Stockley Park adjudged that Eagles centre-back Marc Guehi was 'less than one metre away from the Chelsea wall' when the shot was taken.

A post from the Premier League's Match Centre account on X read: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Crystal Palace. Referee announcement: 'After review, away number six is less than one metre away from the wall as the shot is taken. Therefore, it's an indirect free kick and a disallowed goal'."

The law states that until the ball is in play, all opponents must remain either at least 9.15m (10 yards) from the ball, unless they're on their own goal line between the goalposts, and outside the penalty area for free-kicks inside the opponents' penalty area. Where three or more defenders form a wall, all attackers must remain at least 1m (1 yard) from the wall until the ball is in play.

Palace fans chanted 'it's not football anymore' upon confirmation that Eze's strike had been ruled out. It adds to a busy few days for VAR on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, with an incident during Liverpool's 4-2 win against Bournemouth also making headlines.

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Bernardo Cueva, Chelsea's set-piece coach, was seen remonstrating with fourth official Michael Salisbury immediately after Eze's shot hit the back of the net. Cueva was unhappy with Guehi's move to shove Moises Caicedo out of the way.

But the push wasn't the reason why the goal was ruled out, rather Guehi's position. "This would be scandalous if it is ruled out," Sky Sports commentator Chris Sutton said. "It seems extremely harsh."

Should Eberechi Eze's goal have been ruled out? Have your say in the comments section.

Chelsea dominated proceedings after the VAR controversy, firing off 11 shots at Palace's goal. Only one was on target, though, and the teams went in level at the break.

The hosts came into the game just over a month after winning the Club World Cup in the USA, giving them time for only two pre-season friendlies. Palace, meanwhile, beat Liverpool on penalties to win the Community Shield last Sunday.

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