The Premier League has issued a statement clarifying why Ipswich Town’s crucial penalty in the tenth minute of their match against Chelsea on Monday night was not overturned.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea traveled to Portman Road for their final game of 2024, aiming to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool. Despite Ipswich’s struggles in the relegation zone, Chelsea entered the match as heavy favorites after a draw with Everton and a loss to Fulham in their previous outings.
However, the Blues’ frustrations deepened when Liam Delap converted a penalty to give Ipswich an early lead. Delap himself won the penalty after racing onto a pass inside the box and colliding with Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. Referee John Brooks immediately pointed to the spot, citing a foul by Jorgensen.
Chelsea players strongly disagreed with the decision, with Jorgensen and his defenders vehemently protesting. VAR, led by Michael Oliver, reviewed the incident to ensure the call was correct.
Following the match, the Premier League Match Centre provided an explanation on social media platform X, stating: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Jorgensen on Delap was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”
As a result, the decision stood, and Delap’s penalty narrowly beat Jorgensen, who correctly guessed the direction but failed to reach the ball.
Chelsea’s woes were compounded later when Joao Felix’s potential equalizer was ruled offside after a VAR review. Regarding that incident, the Premier League explained: “Felix’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that he was in an offside position and recommended that the goal be disallowed.”
The controversial decisions left Maresca’s side frustrated as they struggled to regain momentum against the newly promoted Ipswich.
