Enzo Maresca has claimed that Chelsea have received an apology from the PGMOL after missing out on a recent penalty.
The Blues, having been tipped as surprise Premier League title contenders weeks ago, have seen their results fall of a cliff with Maresca not seeing his team win in five games. Among those was a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Maresca did not specify what incident had led to the PGMOL issuing a written apology to Chelsea, but it is believed to have been regarding an incident at Selhurst Park. Pedro Neto was brought down inside the area, but referee Tim Robinson did not give a penalty and the VAR did not recommend an on-field review.
As a result, the Blues missed on the chance to land all three points with their ambitions now being a top-four finish as league leaders Liverpool open up a notable gap at the top.
Despite Maresca’s claim, The Athletic has reported that the refereeing body denies apologising to the Premier League side for the incident on January 4 against Crystal Palace. Tyrick Mitchell was the man to escape punishment for his tackle, but several pundits claimed Chelsea were hard done by.
Paul Merson said: “They didn’t show me the replay again but Mike’s seen it. Mitchell goes in with Neto, both go in at the same time. First of all, my first reaction was a penalty, it seemed rash. Mike said he’s seen it and he thinks that he didn’t get near the ball. They went upstairs, didn’t give it.”
Ex-referee Dean then added: “Yeah I think it’s a penalty kick. I think Neto’s got there first, knocked the ball away and Mitchell’s caught him from behind, so I think it should be a penalty.”
After being denied the penalty in question, Chelsea then lost their lead 15 minutes later when Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised for Palace, meaning they had to settle for a point. Since then the Blues have also been held by Bournemouth with Reece James coming up with a stoppage time equaliser.
Chelsea’s poor run of form also saw them lose successive games over the festive period as Fulham scored a late winner at stoppage time. Days later Ipswich Town, who sit in the bottom three, claimed a shock win over the Blues at Portman Road.
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