Eden Hazard Denied Chance to Take Penalty During Soccer Aid, Reasons Explained

• Former Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard was part of a star-studded World XI team that took part in a charity match at Stamford Bridge
• Despite the Belgian star getting his name on the scoresheet, his team went on to suffer a 6-3 defeat at the hands of England
• Former Chelsea defender Joe Cole and Arsenal fan favourite Theo Walcott are among the other players who also scored in the tie

Details have emerged as to why Chelsea hero Eden Hazard was denied the chance to take a penalty at Soccer Aid over the weekend.

The former Belgian winger returned to action on Sunday, June 9, during the annual charity football match staged at Stamford Bridge.

Hazard called time on his football career in 2023 following his disappointing stint with Real Madrid.

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However, he was back to familiar territory at the weekend as he rolled back the years with an impressive display for World XI against England.

Football London reports that the match featured some prominent names, with the likes of Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe, Gary Cahill, and Theo Walcott playing.

Non-footballers, including Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah and sprint legend Usain Bolt, also participated in the tie.

Cole handed England the lead in the early exchanges before Hazard restored parity with a brilliant free-kick.

Alessandro Del Piero gave World XI the lead shortly after from Bolt's great work in the build-up, only for Ellen White to equalise for the hosts moments later.

Hazard denied chance to take penalty

The tie eventually ended in a 6-3 win for England, with Steven Bartlett, Walcott, and Billy Wingrove all finding the back of the net.

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The tie was marked with a bizarre moment after Hazard was denied the opportunity to take a penalty for his side.

SPORTbible reports that the former winger's side were awarded a spot-kick after Bobby Brazier fouled Patrice Evra.

Hazard appeared to step up to take it, but referee Rebecca Welch stopped the Belgian due to a little-known strange rule.

Per Sam Matterface, who was providing commentary for ITV, Soccer Aid rules dictate that an ex-professional is not allowed to take a penalty, and a celebrity must step up.

Wingrove was subsequently handed this opportunity and made no mistake from the spot as he sent Paddy McGuinness the wrong way with a calm strike.

Hazard shines in first game after retirement

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Hazard leaving fans in awe in his first game after retirement back in October 2023.

A week after announcing his retirement, the Belgian playmaker was back on the pitch for the Yellow Pieces charity match, aimed at paying the hospital bills of children and adolescents.