Chelsea Leicester
Keith Hackett
Mon 10 March 2025 16:34, UK
Leicester City defender Conor Coady could have given away a penalty for handball during his side’s defeat to Chelsea, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he would have wanted VAR to give referee Tim Robinson another chance to have a look at the incident before making a decision.
After leaving Leicester to take charge at Stamford Bridge in the summer Enzo Maresca has come under fire from Chelsea fans recently.
He will therefore have been relieved to have picked up a 1-0 win at home against the struggling Foxes on Sunday thanks to Marc Cucurella’s long-range effort.
That victory over Leicester could have been ever more simpler though if things had played out differently.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca saw his side involved in several penalty controversies against Leicester (Credit Imago)
Chelsea denied further penalties after Cole Palmer misses from the spot
The hosts missed the chance to go ahead in the first half as Cole Palmer’s recent struggles continued when he had a penalty saved by Leicester ‘keeper Mads Hermansen.
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After the break, Chelsea winger Pedro Neto was controversially denied a penalty after a challenge from James Justin inside the area.
Chelsea last five games Result
Brighton (A) Lost 3-0
Aston Villa (A) Lost 2-1
Southampton (H) Won 4-0
Copenhagen (A) Won 2-1
Leicester (H) Won 1-0
They would also have claims for a spot kick dismissed when another effort from distance from Jadon Sancho was blocked by an outstretched arm from Coady.
Despite appeals from the on-loan winger, no penalty was given by referee Tim Robinson, denying Chelsea the chance to further extend their lead.
Hackett though, feels the Blues could have had a case for a spot kick, had VAR given Robinson the chance to look at the incident again.
Keith Hackett reacts as Leicester City avoid conceding another penalty at Stamford Bridge
Speaking to Football Insider about whether Coady could have given away a penalty for handball, the former referee said:
“I think he’s effectively making himself larger so he could be penalised. But I think the downside here is in these situations, it would be good for the referee to have a second look and then make his judgement, not VAR.
“I think this is what VAR’s not being used accurately for, and that is ‘have a second look, not in slow motion in real time, and then get clarification on it.
“I know we try and keep VAR to a low key, but it may be that the referee’s judgement is that it is handball and he’s not had a clear view of it… I think VAR should come in and help in that situation.”
Chelsea can now focus on the second leg of their Europa Conference League clash with Copenhagen on Thursday night (13 March) following that win.
Leicester meanwhile continue their fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League when they host Man United on Sunday (16 March).
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