Chelsea’s hopes of overturning Manchester City’s 1‑0 FA Cup final victory were dented by two penalty appeals that were dismissed, a situation former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has now clarified.
Clattenburg, who officiated in the top flight for more than a decade, told The Chelsea Chronicle that the first controversy occurred in first‑half injury time. Joao Pedro was rush‑tackled inside City’s penalty area by Abdukodir Khusanov. After a brief VAR review, referee Darren England chose not to consult the pitch‑side officials.
“The contact was there, but Khusanov was the stronger player and it was essentially shoulder‑to‑shoulder,” Clattenburg explained. “I would have been surprised if a foul and a penalty had been awarded in that situation.”
The second penalty claim came later in the second half when a similar challenge was put forward by the Blues. Again, the VAR officials decided there was insufficient evidence to overturn England’s on‑field decision, leaving the decision unchanged.
Chelsea’s only goal – a well‑timed finish from Antoine Semenyo that proved decisive – was not enough to offset the missed opportunities. City’s narrow win secured the club’s domestic double, adding the FA Cup to their Premier League triumph.
Clattenburg’s remarks underscore the fine margins that can decide high‑stakes matches. While the referee and VAR team followed established protocols, the Blues’ supporters are left to wonder whether a different interpretation of the incidents could have altered the result.
The incident adds to ongoing discussions about VAR consistency across major competitions. As the African football community watches European tournaments closely, the episode serves as a reminder that officiating decisions continue to shape outcomes at the highest level. The next season will bring fresh chances for both clubs, with the hope that clarity in decision‑making will allow the players’ performances to speak for themselves.
