Chelsea boss insists referee got penalty decision wrong after ‘tough’ Man City treatment
Calum McFarlane has spoken to the press following Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Calum McFarlane during a Chelsea press conference(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Calum McFarlane believes Chelsea should’ve been awarded a penalty during the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City. Antoine Semenyo fired Pep Guardiola’s side to victory on Saturday afternoon, extending the Blues’ winless streak in finals at Wembley Stadium to seven games.
The 26-year-old winger broke the deadlock in the second-half, beating Robert Sanchez from close range with a lovely flick. Desperate to level proceedings, the interim Chelsea boss made three changes in just a quarter of an hour.
A few moments later, Abdukodir Khusanov brought down Jorrel Hato inside the Manchester City box. The Blues appealed for a penalty, but Darren England waved play on, denying the Blues a chance to equalise.
Speaking to reporters after the game, McFarlane was quizzed on the incidents. The interim Chelsea boss said: “I thought they’re tough calls. The Hato and Khusanov collision was a penalty.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
“Jorrel gets in front. If it’s anywhere else on the pitch, it’s a foul – sometimes you get them, sometimes you don’t.”
Joao Pedro had gone down a couple of times in the opposition box earlier in the game, but the on-field referee was reluctant to point to the spot. AT the end of the first half, Khusanov knocked the Chelsea striker off his feet.
Up to 70% off Chelsea kits and merch
Various Prices
Fanatics
Buy Now on Fanatics
Fanatics has slashed the price of Chelsea kits and merch with up to 70% off select items.
The Video Assistant Referee briefly reviewed the incident, and adjudged that the Manchester City defender had not committed a foul. Speaking on the BBC from the gantry at Wembley, Alan Shearer described the challenge as ‘really good defending’.
The Newcastle United legend said: “I’m not sure he can get out of the way of Joao Pedro. I don’t think VAR will do anything with that. I think he stands firm, stands in his way, and I think that’s really good defending.”
Meanwhile, on TNT Sports, Ally McCoist said: “I think it’s excellent defending. He just comes across and stands his ground. I think it’s excellent.”
Singing from the same hymn sheet, Steven Gerrard added: “It’s a shoulder charge, isn’t it, I agree with you Ally. Brilliant in the duel this half, both him (Khusanov) and Marc Guehi.”
Chelsea are back in action on Tuesday night, playing hosts to Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. Having lost the FA Cup final, the Blues can now only earn qualification to either of UEFA’s three club competitions via their ranking in the Englsih top-flight.
