thechelseachronicle.com

Exclusive: Mark Clattenburg shares why VAR didn't award Joao Pedro a Chelsea penalty vs Brentford

Chelsea found themselves a goal to the good at half-time against Brentford, but it could have been two had a penalty incident gone their way.

The Blues headed into this one off the back of a disappointing defeat to Arsenal, which saw a couple of errors from Robert Sanchez gift them the advantage.

Alejandro Garnacho was rewarded for his efforts against Arsenal, where he grabbed a brace, as he was picked to start against Brentford.

Confirmed XI to face Brentford!

Thoughts on Estevao Willian's absence?

Chelsea confirmed XI vs Brentford

Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say

However, it was Joao Pedro who grabbed the opening goal for Chelsea this time around. He controlled a deflected clearance off Enzo Fernandez to slot into the roof of the net.

But it could have been even better for the striker had he been awarded a penalty.

Mark Clattenburg claims Chelsea should have had a penalty

Joao Pedro was adjudged not to have been brought down by contact from Michael Kayode on the back of his heel as he looked to make a shooting opportunity.

However, upon taking a closer look, it appeared as if there was contact, but Joao Pedro had a delayed reaction and fell to the ground slightly after.

Speaking exclusively to The Chelsea Chronicle, Mark Clattenburg believes it should have been a penalty given by the referee, but Pedro oversold it.

“Chelsea wanted a penalty as Joao Pedro fell in the box after a challenge by Michael Kayode. There was a contact on the foot and a penalty should have been awarded.

“What does not help Pedro’s case is that he rolls around after the contact, which did not justify the contact. I would not expect VAR to get involved in this one, as it does not reach the higher threshold of intervention.”

Joao Pedro grabs his seventh Premier League goal of the season against Brentford! ⚽️

Joao Pedro's 2025/26 Premier League stats

Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say

Joao Pedro’s season to date at Chelsea

Joao Pedro has had a fascinating first season at Chelsea following his £60 million move from Brighton.

His career actually began in the FIFA Club World Cup. He was registered mid-tournament and made an immediate impact, helping Chelsea win the trophy, scoring three vital goals.

He carried that momentum into the domestic season, being nominated for Premier League Player of the Month in August, but this was followed by a dry spell in September and October.

Despite a bit of an up-and-down season to date, he’s scored 11 goals and provided three assists, if you count the Club World Cup.

Join Our Newsletter

Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox

Read full news in source page