Dermot Gallagher in stunning U-turn over Chelsea vs Aston Villa controversy: ‘I’ve changed my mind’
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes the right decision was made when Ian Maatsen was adjudged to have handled the ball in the Chelsea box on Saturday.
Ollie Watkins scored a second-half brace as Villa came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, moving them back to within three points of league leaders Arsenal.
After a dismal first-half performance, Villa came out inspired in the second half and secured another three points after falling behind to extend their winning run in all competitions to 11 matches.
VAR backed Stuart Attwell’s on-field decision not to penalise Maatsen, stating that the Aston Villa full-back’s “arm was in a justifiable position”.
Gallagher has jumped to the referee’s defence after initially agreeing with the home supporters.
Dermot Gallagher believes Stuart Atwell made the right decision
In the 47th minute, Alejandro Garnacho swung in a cross, and Emi Martinez rushed forward as if he was claiming the ball.
However, the Argentine wasn’t convincing, and Maatsen, who was holding off Pedro Neto, closed his eyes as he prepared to be clattered by his own goalkeeper, and the ball hit the top of his outstretched arm.
Speaking on Ref Watch, Gallagher admits he changed his mind regarding the controversial decision.
He said: “I changed my mind over this. On Saturday, I thought it was a handball because the arm was out, but I looked at this and now agree with the referee.
“Two things go in his favour; it hits him high up, and he has no idea where the ball is. It’s almost as if he’s bracing himself in case he gets hit by his goalkeeper.”
However, Bothroyd believes a spot-kick should have been awarded, and criticised Maatsen’s defending.
Jay Bothroyd out of order for comments on Ian Maatsen
Maatsen has been impressive for Villa this season, although Bothroyd wasn’t impressed with how he dealt with the inswinging delivery.
He said: “You’ve got to say, he has to be braver. He thinks he’s going to get hit, and I understand that it’s a natural reaction.
“If Neto isn’t there, then I wouldn’t think it’s a penalty. But the fact that he is there stops a goalscoring opportunity, so I don’t understand it.”
The undeniable fact is that the ball hits him on the top of the arm, by the t-shirt line, which isn’t a handball offence.
The problem is that decisions are incredibly inconsistent in each game, and it’s safe to say that if it was given as a penalty by Atwell, then VAR wouldn’t overturn it.
That perfectly sums up how bad the levels of officiating are in the Premier League at the moment.
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