Hojlund Man United Chelsea
(Credit: Sky Sports)
Keith Hackett
Fri 16 May 2025 23:20, UK
Keith Hackett has reacted to appeals for a penalty against Man United striker Rasmus Hojlund as his side were beaten by Chelsea.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Dane was rightly not penalised for handball inside the area following a shot by Enzo Fernandez.
Hojlund endured another poor performance for Man United as they were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday (16 May).
However, were nearly even worse for the attacker after he found himself subjected to appeals for a penalty, which he did at least manage to survive.
Ruben Amorim Man United
Ruben Amorim saw his side slip to another defeat (Credit Imago)
Rasmus Hojlund faces handball appeal
Man United were denied an opening goal through Harry Maguire when the centre-back was found to have been marginally offside with just 16 minutes on the clock.
Not long after though, the visitors found themselves on the right side of a key decision from the officials, to the relief of Hojlund.
Rasmus Hojlund vs Chelsea Total (SofaScore)
Shots on Target 0
Shots off Target 0
Accurate Passes 11/18
Duels Won 1/10
Dribbles 0
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Moments before the half-hour mark, the ball was played to Fernandez inside the Man United area, with his strike then hitting the hand of Hojlund at point blank range.
That prompted appeals for a penalty from Chelsea, which were turned down by referee Chris Kavanagh, a decision that was ultimately supported by VAR.
Now, Hackett has backed the decision not to award a spot kick against Hojlund, given the proximity of the contact.
‘Chelsea penalty claims rightly ignored vs Man United‘ – Keith Hackett
After being asked by Football Insider if he felt the hosts could have been given a spot kick for that handball by Hojlund, the former referee said:
“The ball was struck hard in the direction of Hojlund who had no chance of getting his hand out of the way given such a short distance involved. Correct decision by the officials.”
Chelsea would get their winner with 20 minutes of normal time remaining when Marc Cucurella headed home a pinpoint cross from Reece James.
The Blues will now look to secure qualification for the Champions League when they face Nottingham Forest in the final game of the season before focusing on their Conference League final with Real Betis.
Man United meanwhile, will now have their attention firmly fixed on Wednesday night’s (21 May) Europa League final with Tottenham.
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