Chelsea’s defeat in the FA Cup final was overshadowed by a number of refereeing decisions which did not go the way of the Blues.
Calum McFarlane’s side were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City after Antoine Semenyo’s classy finish separated the sides with less than 20 minutes to go.
The Blues were on top for portions of the game, and worked tirelessly to keep their opponents at bay, although struggled to create many clear-cut chances.
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Chelsea v Manchester City - Emirates FA Cup Final
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Calum McFarlane thinks Chelsea were denied ‘clear penalty’ in FA Cup final
An opportunity from the penalty spot would have certainly been welcome for Cole Palmer or Enzo Fernandez, and Chelsea believed they should have had a number of spot kicks.
The most pressing matter involved Jorrel Hato being taken down by Abdukodir Khusanov in the penalty area, with no decision given by referee Darren England.
Chelsea v Manchester City - Emirates FA Cup Final
Photo by Alex Pantling – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
McFarlane was convinced this should have seen Chelsea awarded a penalty, telling BBC Sport that he was convinced it was the wrong decision.
He said: “We didn’t have the luck today. I thought it was a penalty against Jorrel, and on another day you get that. For me, it’s a clear penalty.”
There were a number of questionable calls from VAR and Darren England🤔
Chelsea penalty incident during FA Cup final against Man City
Via – ITV Live Coverage
Mark Clattenburg’s verdict on Chelsea’s penalty claims
The Blues had a number of shouts for a penalty in the FA Cup final. Joao Pedro was brought down on multiple occasions.
However, Mark Clattenburg exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle that the right decisions were made by the referee.
This will do little to boost McFarlane’s mood, who cut a dejected figure in his post-match press conference ahead of his last two games in charge.
It is expected he will be replaced by Xabi Alonso, who has reportedly agreed in principle to take over as the new Chelsea manager.
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