FA Cup: VAR denied Chelsea two penalty chances in 1‑0 loss to Manchester City

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg explained why Chelsea were denied two penalty appeals in their 1‑0 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.

The match finished with Antoine Semenyo’s clever finish giving City the only goal and securing a domestic double.

Had the Blues been awarded at least one penalty in each half, the outcome could have been different.

The first incident occurred in first‑half injury time when Joao Pedro was pushed into the penalty area by Abdukodir Khusanov.

VAR official Peter Bankes reviewed the play but did not advise referee Darren England to bring it back for a decision on the pitch.

“Abdukodir Khusanov came across Joao Pedro on the edge of the penalty area,” Clattenburg told The Chelsea Chronicle. “There was contact, but I would have been surprised if a foul and penalty were awarded, as Khusanov was stronger and it was a shoulder‑to‑shoulder situation.”