Eberechi Eze’s opening goal for Crystal Palace against Chelsea was disallowed in controversial fashion – but the reason behind this has now been revealed.
The midfielder struck a rocket of a free-kick past Robert Sanchez in the 13th minute, beating Chelsea’s wall in the process, but Marc Guehi’s actions were deemed to be unlawful.
The Palace defender shoved Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo to allow Eze’s shot to beat the wall. However, this was not what landed him in trouble.
It was the fact that he was within 1m of Chelsea’s wall before the ball was in play, which attacking players are not allowed to do.
Law 13 of the FA’s rule book states: ‘Where three or more defending team players form a “wall”, all attacking team players must remain at least 1m (1yd) from the “wall” until the ball is in play.’
The Premier League released on official statement during the game, taking to their Match Centre account on X.
Marc Guehi was within 1m of Chelsea’s wall before the ball was in play, which attacking players are not allowed to do
Marc Guehi was within 1m of Chelsea’s wall before the ball was in play, which attacking players are not allowed to do
It 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”.’
Fans were quick to share their disappointment over the decision on social media.
One supporter wrote on X: ‘Terrible use of VAR. Does this mean there’s a way to measure the 1 yard for every free kick? Or is it arbitrary? How do you call this accurately for other matches?’
Another said sarcastically: ‘Brilliant rule that. It’s what the game has been crying out for. Been saying it for years down the pub and that.’
A third wrote: ‘Because apparently football’s now refereed with a ruler and a spirit level.’
