Chelsea Real Betis
(redit: TNT Sports)
Keith Hackett
Wed 28 May 2025 22:31, UK
Keith Hackett has reviewed whether Chelsea should have had a penalty in their Conference League final with Real Betis after a clash between Nicolas Jackson and Adrian.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he did not feel a spot kick should have been awarded, as the La Liga side’s goalkeeper was attempting to clear the ball.
After Enzo Maresca‘s side secured Champions League qualification with victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday (25 May), this was a chance for them to end the season with a trophy as well.
However, it was Betis who took the lead following an error from Malo Gusto with just ten minutes on the clock, which was enough to leave Chelsea trailing 1-0 at half time.
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett has reacted to a Conference League final controversy
Nicolas Jackson flattened by Adrian
After the break, the Blues would improve as they went in search of an equaliser, and they may have felt they should have had a chance to do that from the spot.
Following Jackson’s sending off against Newcastle in the Premier League, the striker was restored to the starting XI for Chelsea after missing the final two games of the league season with suspension.
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On the hour-mark, the striker was involved in another incident, as Noni Madueke fired a cross into the Betis penalty area.
As Jackson attempted to win that ball in the air, he was caught in the head by goalkeeper Adrian as he attempted to punch the ball clear.
That left the Chelsea ace flat out on the ground for some time, while his teammates appealed for a penalty, with referee Irfan Peljto having not pointed to the spot – he would book Benoit Badiashile for his protests.
VAR then checked that decision but elected not to recommend a review ensuring Jackson was denied a spot kick, a call Hackett now agrees with.
Keith Hackett backs officials over Chelsea appeal
After being asked by Football Insider if that call not to award a penalty for the challenge on Jackson was the correct one, the former referee said:
“I am satisfied having looked at the video that the goalkeeper came out with the intention to clear the ball. I would not expect a penalty kick to be awarded.”
Despite beind denied here, Chelsea would still mount a stunning comeback to beat Betis 4-1, with Jackson among those on the scoresheet, to ensure their season ended with silverware.
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