Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: VAR Controversy Erupts After Eberechi Eze’s Stunning Free-Kick Is Ruled Out
The Chelsea vs Crystal Palace clash erupted in controversy as VAR stole the headlines once again, ruling out a spectacular Eberechi Eze free-kick that could have given Palace an early lead. With the score still locked at 0-0, the decision has sparked furious debate among fans, pundits, and players, reigniting the ongoing discussion about the role of VAR in the Premier League.
Eze’s Moment of Magic Cut Short
The London derby started with Crystal Palace — fresh from their Community Shield triumph over Liverpool — pressing high and testing Chelsea’s defense. In the 11th minute, Moises Caicedo conceded a free-kick in a dangerous area after fouling Ismaila Sarr.
Up stepped Eberechi Eze, Palace’s set-piece specialist. The midfielder delivered a curling, 25-yard strike that sailed over the Chelsea wall and dipped into the top corner past goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. The Palace away fans erupted, believing their side had taken a shock lead against the FIFA Club World Cup champions.
VAR Steps In
However, the celebrations were short-lived. Referee Darren England signaled for a VAR check, with replays showing Will Hughes making contact with Wesley Fofana inside the penalty area just as Eze struck the ball. After a tense two-minute review by Video Assistant Referee James Bell, the goal was overturned, ruling Hughes’ nudge a foul.
The decision left Palace players furious, while manager Oliver Glasner voiced his frustration on the sidelines. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, used the reprieve to rally his players back into focus.
Fan and Pundit Reactions
The call immediately divided opinion. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp blasted the decision, calling it “overly pedantic” and arguing, “That’s a world-class free-kick from Eze, and the contact was negligible. VAR is sucking the joy out of these moments.”
On social media, Palace fans vented their anger, with one post on X (formerly Twitter) reading: “Another game, another VAR robbery. Eze’s goal was pure quality — how is that a foul?” Chelsea supporters, however, defended the call, insisting VAR made the right decision: “Rules are rules. Hughes pushed Fofana — that’s a foul all day.”
What Happens Next in the Derby?
With the game still goalless, both sides continue to push for the breakthrough. Chelsea, favorites at -160, are looking to their midfield duo of Caicedo and Enzo Fernández to dictate the tempo. Palace, led by Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta, remain a constant threat on the counter.
The disallowed free-kick has become the defining moment of the match so far, a reminder of VAR’s polarizing impact and how razor-thin margins continue to shape the Premier League.