The decision, which went in Sunderland’s favour, has reportedly attracted scrutiny, with questions being raised over the referee’s handling of the incident and the circumstances surrounding the penalty award.
The controversy intensified after former Premier League referees’ chief Keith Hackett criticised the decision. Hackett argued that VAR should have intervened, insisting that Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey was holding Levi Colwill’s shirt and was responsible for bringing the Chelsea defender down.
The incident occurred in the 36th minute, when Enzo Le Fée converted the resulting penalty to give Sunderland a 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light. Chelsea had also been frustrated earlier after their penalty appeal involving Cole Palmer was rejected, with VAR ruling that the contact occurred outside the penalty area.
Chelsea fans were left furious after another penalty incident involving Cole Palmer was not given as it was adjusted to have occurred outside the penalty area. The defeat is Chelsea’s third consecutive defeat against the Black Cats.
