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By CIARAN FOREMAN, SPORTS REPORTER Published: 03: 17 AEDT, 26 January 2026 | Updated: 03: 44 AEDT, 26 January 2026 32 View comments Crystal Palace fans went from cheers to jeers in a matter of seconds thanks to a confusing VAR announcement during their 3-1 defeat against Chelsea. Blues forward Joao Pedro thought he had scored his second goal of the afternoon with the goal gaping when the ball struck the arm of Palace defender Jaydee Canvot. Play continued but referee Darren England was sent to the VAR monitor inside Selhurst Park and, following a review, the spot-kick was given and Canvot booked. However, confusion set in when the official explained the decision. 'It's an accidental handball, not deliberate, ' he announced, prompting cheers from the home support, who assumed Chelsea were not going to be awarded the spot-kick. But, England continued: 'It is an accidental handball, therefore it is a penalty, but because it is accidental, it is only a yellow card. ' Joao Pedro thought he'd scored his second of the afternoon when the ball hit Jaydee Canvot A penalty was given by referee Darren England despite the handball being 'not deliberate' Enzo Fernandez stepped up from the spot-kick and put Chelsea three goals ahead on Sunday The decision appeared to spark widespread confusion both in the stands and on social media, with some wondering why the penalty was given if it wasn't deliberate. But it appears that because Canvot had stopped a goalbound effort - whether accidental or not - the spot-kick was given. Enzo Fernandez then stepped up and added Chelsea's third goal of the afternoon, following Estevao's opener after 34 minutes and Pedro's strike in the second-half. Palace, who were reduced to 10 men after Adam Wharton was shown red, did pull a consolation goal back through Chris Richards - but the Eagles were already down and out. Oliver Glasner's side are now 11 games without a win as their miserable season continues. Chelsea, meanwhile, have won four of five under new boss Liam Rosenior. Their only defeat came to Arsenal in the first leg of a back-and-forth Carabao Cup semi-final.
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