CHELSEA fans raged after being denied a “stonewall penalty” against Blackburn.
The Blues were in with a shout for an early spot kick in Blackburn’s League Cup visit to Stamford Bridge.
Raheem Sterling broke into the 18-yard box with a strong run down the left side and was brought down.
But referee Tim Robinson waved off the calls only for replays to reveal the defender Lewis Travis’ sliding tackle was rash.
Travis in fact slid into Sterling, bringing down the forward – but Robinson instead gave a corner.
Play resumed with no VAR in use for the Carabao Cup – leaving Chelsea fans fuming.
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One said: “That’s a stonewall penalty on Sterling. Not given. No VAR.”
Another added: “How’s that not a penalty???”
One slammed: “Another clear penalty not given.”
Another hit out: “THATS A PENALTY ON STERLING AND OF COURSE THERES NO VAR.”
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The EFL in 2019 decided against VAR before the semi-final stage due to it only being available at Premier League venues.
But the system does get re-introduced in the last four and for the Wembley final, set for February 25 this season.
Sterling later celebrated as Benoit Badiashile broke the deadlock on the half hour mark.
And the England international doubles the Blues lead after an hour as his effort curled into the top corner to send Chelsea into the quarters.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
