'Stupid law' Slammed as Ex-Refs Chief 'Gobsmacked' by Charlton vs Chelsea Controversy: 'Crazy'

In Liam Rosenior's debut as Chelsea manager, the Blues delivered a dominant 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round at The Valley on January 10, 2026, advancing comfortably to the fourth round. However, the match was marred by a heated VAR controversy that drew sharp criticism from former referees' chief Howard Webb, who labeled a key decision as stemming from a "stupid law."[1][2][4]

Chelsea, using a second-string side, controlled possession at 80% in the first half, with Jamie Gittens and Josh Acheampong testing Charlton keeper Will Mannion early. The breakthrough came deep into stoppage time when Jorrel Hato volleyed a rocket into the top corner for 1-0. Post-restart, Enzo Buonanotte's free-kick was nodded in by Tosin Adarabioyo for 2-0. Charlton pulled one back via Miles Leaburn to make it 2-1, briefly sparking hopes of a comeback.[1][2]

The flashpoint arrived when Mannion conceded a penalty after fumbling a shot from Alejandro Garnacho, which Pedro Neto converted to restore Chelsea's lead at 3-1. Replays showed Garnacho's follow-up challenge on Mannion after the parry, prompting outrage. Ex-PGMOL chief Webb, speaking post-match, was "gobsmacked" by the call, slamming the offside law's application in such scenarios as "crazy" and a "stupid law" that fails to account for natural play. "How can a keeper be penalized for playing the ball first? This is madness," Webb fumed, calling for urgent IFAB review.[4]

Chelsea sealed the rout late on, with Neto drilling home his second and Enzo Fernández converting another penalty for 5-1. Charlton boss Nathan Jones lamented injuries forcing awkward substitutions, praising his side's resilience but noting Chelsea's superior talent.[2][3] Rosenior celebrated warmly with players pitchside, signaling a positive start amid fan unrest over ownership—chants for Roman Abramovich rang out, targeting Behdad Eghbali.[1][5]

The win eases pressure on Rosenior ahead of Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semis, but the refereeing row dominates headlines, reigniting debates on VAR and handball/offside interpretations.[1][2][4]

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