After Ipswich vs Chelsea clash Premier League release statement following ‘worst VAR call of 2024’
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Controversy at Portman Road: Chelsea Fans Outraged by VAR Decisions
Chelsea’s visit to Ipswich at Portman Road on Monday evening became a hotbed of controversy, leaving fans fuming over what they believe to be one of the worst VAR calls in Premier League history.
The Incident: Ipswich’s Early Penalty
Enzo Maresca’s side found themselves trailing early after conceding a penalty in the 12th minute. Ipswich forward Liam Delap earned and converted the spot kick to net his seventh goal of the season.
The contentious moment arose when Ipswich launched a high-tempo attack. Leif Davis sent a perfectly timed ball to the surging Delap, who initially appeared to stumble before contact occurred with Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. The referee pointed to the spot, but replays showed Delap may have already been on the ground before regaining his balance, only to tumble again after minimal contact with Jorgensen.
VAR Upholds the Decision
Fans and pundits were left baffled when VAR reviewed the incident and upheld the penalty. The Premier League later released a statement explaining the decision:
“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.”
This explanation did little to appease fans on social media.
- One fan commented: “I think the goalkeeper hits him with his knee, look at his knee only.”
- Another argued: “He clearly goes to stand up then dives.”
- A third added: “He has already lost the ball.”
- A frustrated fourth exclaimed: “Even if he does clip him a little bit, the contact is extremely minimal. The sport died the day we started giving pens for anything.”
- Others simply stated: “That’s definitely not a penalty,” and “What’s the point in VAR if that doesn’t get overturned?”
More Drama: Felix’s Disallowed Goal
Chelsea’s frustrations were compounded in the 27th minute when Joao Felix appeared to equalize, only for VAR to intervene and disallow the goal for offside during the buildup. Felix’s celebrations were short-lived as the Premier League Match Centre issued another statement:
“Felix’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that he was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”
A Tough Half for Chelsea
Heading into halftime, Chelsea trailed 1-0 after a sluggish performance, exacerbated by two highly controversial VAR decisions. Fans are now questioning not only the referee’s judgment but also the purpose of VAR itself.
The Blues will need to regroup and deliver a stronger second-half showing to salvage their match—and perhaps their season—amid mounting discontent from their supporters.
