West Ham vs Chelsea: Why the Blues Were Denied a Penalty After Tomas Soucek Handball

• West Ham United vs Chelsea Premier League clash ended in a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium
• Chelsea had a glorious chance of winning the tie but were denied what many believed was a clear penalty
• Tomas Soucek held the ball in the area from Conor Gallagher's shot from the edge
• However, a penalty was not given by referee Craig Pawson, with VAR also validating his decision

Details have emerged on why Chelsea were not awarded a penalty during their clash against West Ham United on Saturday, February 11.

The match was riddled with a controversial moment late on in the second half after Conor Gallagher's effort struck the hand of West Ham ace Tomas Soucek in the area.

While such an occurrence would ordinarily warrant a penalty, Chelsea were controversially denied one.

According to Goal, Craig Pawson, who was the centre referee was unmoved despite protestation from the Chelsea camp and opted against pointing to the spot.

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The moment was subsequently subjected to a VAR check, but officials at Stockley Park validated Pawson's decision not to reward a spot-kick.

Why penalty was not given

The controversial decision sparked an unending debate, especially on socially media, with aggrieved Chelsea fans contending they deserved a penalty.

The Mirror reports that the officials group for all FA competitions claimed that a penalty was not awarded because the hand that the ball struck was the 'the hand that broke the fall.'

It is understood that Soucek's handball was adjudged not to have been intentional as his hand was in a natural position and did not make his body bigger.

Meanwhile, the match eventually ended in a 1-1 draw, with Joao Felix and Emerson Palmieri scoring for either side.

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Terry warns Potter

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Chelsea legend John Terry has sent Graham Potter a cautionary note amid the Blues' ongoing struggles.

The west Londoners have struggled form under Potter since his arrival from Brighton back in September 2022.

The 2021 Champions League winners have managed just six points since the turn of the year, with three of their most recent fixtures ending in draws.