Eberechi Eze saw a goal for Crystal Palace controversially disallowed against Chelsea, and Mark Clattenburg has now exclusively shared his views on the matter with TBR Football.
The England international rifled a powerful free kick beyond Robert Sanchez, only for Darren England to rule the strike out after a brief check of the pitchside monitor – the problem being that Marc Guehi was stood too close to the Chelsea wall when the ball was struck.
Mark Clattenburg has now exclusively shared his thoughts on the situation involving Eberechi Eze with TBR Football.
Exclusive: Mark Clattenburg believes “VAR cannot get involved” once Darren England initially awards Eberechi Eze’s goal
The man from Consett – who officiated 297 games in the Premier League – claims those in the VAR booth should not have interfered after the Crystal Palace No.10 found the net.
When explaining his decision, England – who has previously irked Crystal Palace fans – officially told those inside Stamford Bridge: “After review, away number six (Guehi) is less than one metre away from the wall as the shot is taken. Therefore, it’s an indirect free kick and a disallowed goal.”
#CHECRY – 13’ VAR OVERTURN
After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Crystal Palace.
Referee announcement: “After review, away number six is less than one metre away from the wall as the shot is taken. Therefore, it's an indirect free kick and a…
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 17, 2025
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In light of that, Clattenburg told TBR Football: “Crystal Palace will feel aggrieved that they were not awarded a goal from an Eze free kick. The referee allowed the goal and this is the starting point.
“VAR cannot get involved where decisions are a matter of the referee’s judgment. For example an incorrect restart, moving ball at a free kick, foul throw or a decision given to the wrong team.
“If the referee has set the wall at the correct distance, it’s the referee’s decision and therefore a goal should be given.
“If the referee has not been involved with the wall and the player’s position is clearly unacceptable, and he then gains a significant advantage from it, then I think football expects an intervention.
“In this case, the referee has set the wall and Guehi moves closer to the wall by action before the ball is kicked, so therefore being closer to the wall by less than one metre.
“Was there a foul being committed? No, so there is no foul. The only way the VAR can be involved is that Guehi was less than one metre away from the wall. The action of moving closer to the wall gives the VAR a grey area to interfere and this is why it’s disallowed.
“I am not sure that the VAR should interfere as this comes under incorrect restart, and should come down to referee’s judgement. A goal should be awarded, but this is another grey area in the interpretation of the laws that creates discussion and frustration.”
What Micah Richards and Roy Keane said about Eberechi Eze’s disallowed goal
Micah Richards and Roy Keane discussed the matter on Sky Sports at the interval, with the latter feeling that Guehi was perhaps too enthusiastic when trying to make an opening for Eze – who could join Tottenham in the coming days.
Firstly, Richards said: “No, there can’t be (any disagreements from Crystal Palace).
They’ve applied the law, so you’ve got to give them respect for doing that and finding these little details. There’s no question (Guehi is) less than a metre from that wall, and that’s why it’s disallowed. I just think we’ve seen this so many times, where people scuffle… but if you apply the rules and the letter of the law, it is the correct decision.”
Keane added: “That’s what he’s done wrong. He’s obviously been told to be a bit of a nuisance and move people or whatever to get a chance for a clearer shot, but he’s almost gone too far. He should have just done a little bit, just a little.”
Eze also saw a free-kick disallowed on the opening day of last season after Sam Barratt wrongly blew his whistle before the ball had crossed the line, so it is a familiar feeling for the Crystal Palace talisman.