Enzo Maresca Questions VAR Decision After Chelsea’s Loss to Manchester United
Enzo Maresca raised eyebrows recently when he publicly criticized Peter Bankes and the VAR team after Chelsea was denied what many believed was a clear penalty during their visit to Old Trafford. Chelsea fans collectively groaned when Joao Pedro went down after contact with Noussair Mazraoui—a clear foul that went unnoticed by the referee. It felt as though the referee was watching the match through fogged glasses.
Early Setbacks for Chelsea
Chelsea’s troubles began early in the match when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was shown a red card, leaving the team with only ten players. Bruno Fernandes capitalized on the situation, scoring his 100th goal for Manchester United. Casemiro later doubled United’s lead before receiving his own red card, but Maresca insists these setbacks merely added to the challenges Chelsea faced that evening.
The Key Moment: A Missed Penalty
The crucial moment in question occurred around the 35th minute. Pedro made a run past the last defender and was clipped by Mazraoui inside the penalty area. Despite Pedro’s clear appeals for a penalty, the referee waved them away, and VAR opted to remain silent—no second look, no replay, nothing. Just two minutes later, Manchester United extended their lead, making the officials’ oversight even more damaging for Chelsea.
Frustration from Experts
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett expressed his frustration, stating, “If you stick a leg out as a defender, you’re inviting contact. That contact, however slight, is enough to bring the player down. It was a clear and obvious error not to award the penalty. If the referee misses it and VAR is watching from Stockley Park, they should have confidence to intervene. This ‘high bar’ talk? Nonsense. If it’s a foul, it should be given.”
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
In the end, Maresca’s complaints seem less like sour grapes and more like a legitimate critique of a significant mistake that altered the match’s outcome. VAR should have intervened swiftly, rather than letting this vital moment slip through the cracks. Chelsea’s uphill battle was made steeper, and the controversy surrounding the match continues to spark debate among fans and experts alike.