Chelsea told why controversial Leeds goal stood as VAR surprises Mike Dean | Football | Sport

The Premier League Match Centre has clarified why Leeds United’s late equaliser against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was permitted to stand, despite the home team’s appeals for a handball in the lead-up. Chelsea had built up a solid two-goal advantage with goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer either side of the interval. They seemed set for a win that could have propelled them into the Premier League’s top four.

However, Leeds demonstrated their resilience as Lukas Nmecha clawed back one goal from the penalty spot, then with 17 minutes remaining, the score was equalised through Okafor’s close-range strike. The hosts appealed for a handball against Jayden Bogle, who played a significant role in the build-up by fending off several Blues defenders before Okafor found room to deliver the final blow.

Nonetheless, an explanation from the Premier League Match Centre has revealed why the equalising goal was deemed valid.

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On X, formerly known as Twitter, a post read: “The referee’s call of goal to Leeds United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with there deemed to be no handball offence by Bogle in the build-up.”

Chelsea’s objections began before Bogle had even entered their 18-yard box, after which he fought his way through and managed to draw a save from Rob Sanchez.

The visiting defender then passed the ball wide to Okafor, who slotted it into an unguarded net before sprinting off to celebrate with the jubilant Leeds supporters in that corner of Stamford Bridge.

Even former Premier League referee Mike Dean was surprised at the decision, telling Sky Sports: “I am surprised it hasn’t been disallowed. It’s hit Bogle’s elbow. I was surprised it wasn’t disallowed. I can only assume they think it’s accidental.”

The goal’s approval appears to have significantly influenced the Premier League table at the conclusion of Tuesday’s fixtures.

Chelsea have nonetheless risen to fourth place given that Manchester United are trailing to West Ham in the evening’s late kick-off, but they fail to apply maximum pressure on rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa positioned above them.

Based on the current scoreline at the London Stadium, Farke’s side maintain a four-point cushion above the Premier League’s relegation zone.