Why was Chelsea denied a penalty against Man City in the FA Cup semi-finals?
Man City beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday, April 20. Bernardo Silva’s 84th-minute strike secured a passage into the final for the Cityzens.
Controversial Handball Incident Overshadows Chelsea’s Clash with Manchester City
There was a controversial moment in the second half of the game though. Chelsea received a free-kick in Man City’s half, which Cole Palmer took. The ball appeared to go through the wall and out for a goal kick.
However, a new angle of the free-kick has revealed that the ball deflected off the hand of Jack Grealish, who was part of the wall, out for a goal kick. The Englishman’s arms were outstretched and in an attempt to bring them back down, he clearly handled the ball. The VAR, though, didn’t ask referee Michael Oliver to review the incident and carried on with the goal kick.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino shared his thoughts on the incident, saying in his post-match press conference:
“Maybe you had a better view. From the touchline it was difficult to see. I was talking [to the referee] because Jesus and my staff said it was a penalty. I only said to him why not check the penalty on the TV? What I saw after, [he nods head], but move on.”
The incident arguably cost Chelsea a place in another cup final, having reached the Carabao Cup final earlier this season. They lost to Liverpool 1-0 after extra time on that occasion though.
Chelsea rue missed opportunities in Man City’s defeat
Man City expectedly dominated possession in the game with 63% and had 14 attempts on goal with three being on target. However, Chelsea created multiple excellent chances but failed to capitalise on them, with Nicolas Jackson being the guiltiest of missing chances. The Blues had 10 attempts on goal with five being on target.
After the game, Mauricio Pochettino reflected on the loss and said:
“In football the most important thing is to be clinical and not concede. Today we competed well. I cannot say we were the better side because that is difficult to measure. The most important thing is we competed. We need to take positives from the game.”
Man City will face either Man United or Coventry City in the FA Cup final.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will now shift their attention to the Premier League, where they visit London rivals Arsenal on Tuesday, April 23. Man City, meanwhile, will face Brighton & Hove Albion away on Thursday.