Refereeing Chaos Mars Chelsea’s Carabao Cup Win Over Lincoln
Chelsea edged past Lincoln City 2-1 in the Carabao Cup third round on September 23, 2025, but their progress was overshadowed by controversy. Referee Matthew Donohue’s decisions – and the absence of VAR at this stage of the competition – sparked fury from fans, players, and club legend John Terry.
The evening began disastrously for Chelsea when Wesley Fofana was stretchered off just one minute in after colliding with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. League One side Lincoln seized the moment, with Rob Street firing them ahead before half-time. But as much as Lincoln’s physicality unsettled Enzo Maresca’s side, it was Donohue’s officiating that dominated the post-match debate.
The flashpoint came in the 32nd minute when Pedro Neto was clipped by Lewis Montsma inside the box. Replays showed clear contact, but Donohue waved play on, awarding a goal kick instead. With VAR not in use until the semi-finals, Chelsea were left fuming. Fans vented online, one post reading: “Blatant foul in the box, and the ref just ignored it because there’s no VAR.”
Lincoln’s combative approach also went largely unpunished. Moisés Caicedo and Marc Cucurella were repeatedly fouled without bookings being shown, leaving Chelsea unable to build rhythm. Terry was scathing in his Sky Sports analysis: “That foul on Neto was clear as day. Without VAR, the referee has to get these calls right. It’s unacceptable and a disservice to the game.” His comments ignited a storm on social media, with supporters demanding accountability from the PGMOL.
Maresca stayed measured, praising his team’s resilience after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Facundo Buonanotte struck in the second half to turn the game. But he admitted: “Some decisions went against us, but we focus on what we can control.” Lincoln boss Michael Skubala acknowledged the referee’s leniency helped his side, though admitted it may have gone “too far at times.”
The game reignited debate about the Carabao Cup’s refusal to use VAR until later rounds. With Chelsea already frustrated by recent contentious calls in the league, the Sincil Bank chaos adds to mounting pressure on refereeing standards in English football.
Chelsea advance, but the headlines belong to Donohue – and the growing call for consistency in officiating.
