Fans think they have witnessed the ‘worst VAR call of all time’ during Chelsea’s match against Ipswich at Portman Road on Monday.
Enzo Maresca’s team gave away a penalty in the 12th minute, which was earned and converted by Ipswich forward Liam Delap, marking his seventh goal of the season.
However, many fans on social media quickly questioned the referee’s decision to award the penalty.
Ipswich moved the ball forward quickly, and Leif Davis played a pass to the advancing Delap, who seemed to lose his balance before being caught by the approaching Filip Jorgensen, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Upon further review, it appeared that Delap was already on the ground before his momentum carried him past Chelsea’s goalkeeper, but he briefly got up before falling again.
Following the incident, the Premier League issued a statement: “The referee’s decision to award a penalty for a foul by Jorgensen on Delap was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, who determined there was enough contact to justify the penalty.”
Fans shared their opinions on social media.
One fan remarked: “It looks like the goalkeeper hits him with his knee—just watch his knee.”
Another commented: “He clearly tries to get up before diving.”
A third said: “He’s already lost control of the ball.”
A fourth pointed out: “Even if there’s a slight touch, the contact is minimal. The sport lost its integrity when we started awarding penalties for everything.”
A fifth criticized: “That’s definitely not a penalty.”
A sixth added: “What’s the point of VAR if it doesn’t reverse that decision?”
To make matters worse for Chelsea supporters, Joao Felix scored in the 27th minute, but his celebration was cut short when VAR intervened, disallowing the goal due to an offside earlier in the play.
The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision in a statement on X: “Felix’s goal was initially awarded, but after VAR review, it was determined that he was offside, leading to the disallowed goal.”
Chelsea went into halftime trailing 1-0 after a lackluster first half.
