Chelsea Fans Outraged
Chelsea fans are up in arms after their penalty against West Ham was not retaken due to what they believe to be encroachment. Enzo Fernandez missed the opportunity to put the Blues ahead in their London derby against the Hammers just before halftime.
Soucek's Controversial Move
Tomas Soucek, a West Ham midfielder, has come under fire from Chelsea fans who argue that he entered the box before the ball was struck. Replays seem to support their claim that the Czech Republic international encroached on the spot kick.
Chelsea Fans Voice Their Frustration
Even Stamford Bridge faithful took to Twitter to express their frustration at the penalty not being retaken. One fan tweeted, "Sky Sports showing Soucek encroached on the penalty, should have been re-taken." Another asserted, "Was a poor penalty but it should have been retaken."
Sky Sports Pundits Unsure
During the half-time interval, Sky Sports pundits discussed Soucek's apparent encroachment. However, even the experts were unsure if the midfielder had violated the rule. The Premier League rule states that encroachment is judged on any part of a player's body that is on the ground when the kick is taken. The player must still have a material impact on the outcome of the kick.
Confusion on the Rule
Based on the Premier League ruling, a penalty should be retaken if the attacking team encroaches and the penalty is saved. However, an indirect free kick is awarded if it is missed. If the defending team encroaches and the kick is scored, the goal will stand. If it's missed or saved, then it is retaken.
The Consequences of the Missed Penalty
Enzo Fernandez paid the price for his poor penalty when Michail Antonio scored a screamer to give West Ham the lead in the 57th minute. Lucas Paqueta sealed Chelsea's fate with a stoppage-time penalty, burying any hopes of a comeback.
