Crystal Palace were left furious after seeing Eberechi Eze's wonder goal ruled out at Stamford Bridge. The in-demand winger thought he had given the Eagles the lead against Chelseawith a stunning free-kick.
But referee Darren England was sent to the monitor and ruled out the strike. In a landmark moment, he explained why the goal was chalked off - due to Palace defender Marc Guehi encroaching on Chelsea's defensive wall in the build-up to the goal.
After rewatching the footage, official England said: “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”.
Bernardo Cueva, Chelsea's set-piece coach, immediately spotted the infringement and was seen arguing with the fourth official Michael Salisbury at Stamford Bride. But he was one of few appearing to agree with the decision.
"There are times when you ask in football where you ask if something is right or wrong," said Chris Sutton on Sky Sports. "And that just seems mightily, mightily harsh."
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READ MORE: PGMOL issue statement after Eberechi Eze's goal vs Chelsea controversially ruled out after VAR
Meanwhile, ex-Chelsea man Steve Sidwell added: "How many times have we seen that in the past where there's blocking? If that is the precedent set on the opening weekend it has to stay for the season."
The goal would have represented a memorable moment for Eze, who appears to be on the verge of a move away from Palace. Tottenham have been strongly linked with a swoop for the winger and want to pay around £60m for his services.
Eze was expected to be sidelined for the trip to West London but was surprisingly named in the starting XI vs Chelsea. Spurs are expected to crank up discussions with Palace over the coming days as they attempt to seal the England winger's services.
What did you make of the decision to chalk Eze's goal off? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Eze previously had a release clause written into his contract at Selhurst Park but that has now expired, meaning Spurs will have to engage in discussions with Palace.
Oliver Glasner's side are next back in action on Thursday as they tackle Fredrikstad FK in the first-leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier before next weekend's clash with Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Chelsea's next outing pits them against London rivals West Ham on Friday evening.
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