Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says his side have received a written apology from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after the Blues were denied a penalty earlier this season.
“I remember two or three matches ago they didn’t whistle for a penalty and then we got a mail apologizing, that it should have been a penalty,” Maresca told the assembled media in front of his side. Premier League clash with Wolves Monday night. “But we don’t need an apology.”
The Italian boss did not name the game in question, but The Athletic Claim that Maresca was referring to Chelsea draw 1-1 With Crystal Palace in their first outing of 2025.
While the Blues went 1-0 up thanks to Cole Palmer’s opener, Pedro Neto was brought down in the box by Palace’s retreating Tyrique Michel. Both the referee and VAR overturned the decision, though the former Premier League Official Mike Dean strongly disagreed with the call. “I think Neto got there first, threw the ball and Mitchell caught it from behind,” Dean said. Sky Sports. “I think it should be an intervention and a specific penalty.”
Howard Webb, technical director of PGMOL, the governing body for referees in England, did not address the incident in its January edition. The match officials Mic’d up And the Premier League’s official Match Center X account did not provide an in-game explanation for the decision.
The Athletic Claims that PGMOL sources categorically deny Maresca’s allegation, insisting that no amnesty has been issued to him. Chelsea Regarding the appeal of this penalty.
Chelsea found themselves on the wrong end History-making VAR decision Against Bournemouth earlier this month when on-pitch referee Rob Jones went against VAR’s recommendation to send off Cherries forward David Brooks for a tug on Mark Cucurella.
It was put to Maresca that he could be embarrassed by the way his players dramatically appealed for red cards and penalties that were not given. He clearly disagreed.
“No, not at all,” ex Leicester City The boss huffed. “It was the red card for me the other day against Bournemouth. We’re not going to change anything.
“So the club, us, we’re not embarrassed by this. Somebody has to be embarrassed by this kind of thing but not us. I love my players, all of them.”