'Ref didn't get shown this' - Richard Keys outraged by VAR failure as Chelsea benefit vs Fulham
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Credit: TNT Sports
Ben Palmer
Sat 30 August 2025 16:29, UK
VAR failed to correctly inform Rob Jones of a foul in the build-up to Chelsea being awarded a penalty against Fulham.
The Whites took on the Blues in a West London clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 30 August.
After a cagey start to proceedings, Josh King scored his first senior goal for Fulham, but it was disallowed after Rodrigo Muniz was judged as having stamped on Trevoh Chalobah’s foot.
To the surprise of very few, VAR and referee Jones continued to be central in the clash between the two rivals, and Chelsea took the lead through Joao Pedro, two minutes after the first half should have ended.
Marco Silva and Fulham reached a fever pitch when a penalty was awarded against them in the second half.
In the 56th minute, Ryan Sessegnon raised his arms to block Chalobah’s shot, and a penalty was awarded against Fulham.
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The visitors could have no complaints, as the former Tottenham man had clearly handled in the box.
However, VAR then reviewed the decision.
Pedro was spotted handling the ball inside the area, but inexplicably, the video referees saw no issue with that.
And beIN SPORTS presenter Richard Keys also pointed out another transgression that had taken place in the build-up.
Alex Iwobi’s foot was stamped on in a far more egregious manner than Chalobah’s had been in the first half, but none of the refereeing team seemed interested in having a serious look at the incident, glossing over it as they focused on Pedro’s handball.
Keys said in his post on X: “I thought we were just told this type of thing was ‘careless’.
This in the build-up to the Chelsea pen award.
Ref didn’t get shown this.
Football Insider Verdict
Keys was not the only person of note who took issue with Jones and VAR’s performance in the 12.30pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
Silva lambasted the decisions against Fulham in a post-match interview, and who could blame him?
If VAR are going to intervene in an on-pitch decision, why are they glossing over one of the fouls that took place in the build-up?
(Credit Imago)
Fulham have faced two of the most well-funded sides in the Premier League in their last two games, against Man United and Chelsea, and in both games, have been on the losing end of some positively baffling decisions.
Silva, fearing a punishment for his comments, showed a semblance of restraint in his post-match interview, but he is one of many managers, pundits, and fans who are at the end of their tether with VAR.