Chelsea were two goals ahead vs Leeds United at Stamford Bridge before Daniel Farke’s side pulled it back, with a controversial equaliser forcing an explanation from the Premier League
The Premier League have confirmed why Leeds United’s late equaliser against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was allowed to stand despite calls from the home side for a handball in the build-up.
Chelsea had amassed a comfortable two-goal lead through strikes from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer either side of half-time. They were cruising to a victory with the possibility of jumping into the Premier League’s top four.
However, Leeds showed fighting spirit as Lukas Nmecha pulled one goal back from the penalty spot, then with 17 minutes to spare, the score was levelled through Okafor’s close-range finish.
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The hosts campaigned for a handball against Jayden Bogle, who had been heavily involved in the build-up by holding off a number of Blues defenders before Okafor found space to apply the finishing touch.
However, written confirmation from the Premier League has explained why the equaliser was allowed to stand.
On X, formerly Twitter, a post from the Premier League Match Centre read: “The referee’s call of goal to Leeds United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with there deemed to be no handball offence by Bogle in the build-up.”
Chelsea’s protests had started before Bogle had entered their 18-yard box, after which he battled his way through and managed to force a save from Rob Sanchez.
The visiting defender then forced the ball wide to Okafor, who fired into an empty net before running away to celebrate with the travelling Leeds fans in that corner of Stamford Bridge.
The goal’s approval looks to have had a major swing on the Premier League standings at the end of play on Tuesday.
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Chelsea have still climbed up to fourth by virtue of the fact Manchester United trail to West Ham in the evening’s late kick-off, but fail to put full pressure on rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa above them.
As things stand with the scoreline at the London Stadium, Farke’s men keep four points above the Premier League’s drop zone.
