EPL: Why VAR Disallowed Eberechi Eze’s Free-kick Goal Against Chelsea

Details have emerged explaining why Eberechi Eze’s goal for Crystal Palace against Chelsea was disallowed following a VAR review.

Eze initially believed he had put Palace ahead after curling a free-kick past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. However, the goal was overturned after a review identified an infringement during the set-piece.

VAR determined that Palace defender Marc Guehi was positioned too close to the Chelsea defensive wall as the free-kick was taken. Specifically, Guehi was less than one metre away from Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo, violating free-kick regulations.

A statement from the Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision:
“After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Crystal Palace. Referee announcement: ‘After review, away number six is less than one metre away from the wall as the shot is taken. Therefore, it’s an indirect free kick and a disallowed goal.’”

According to IFAB rules, attacking players must remain at least one metre away from the defensive wall when it includes three or more players. The infringement resulted in the goal being ruled out and an indirect free-kick awarded to Chelsea.