Keith Hackett 'can't understand' Cole Palmer incident in Chelsea vs Man United, 'It's surprising'

Cole Palmer had every right to be disappointed after not being awarded a dangerous free-kick during Chelsea‘s defeat to Manchester United.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Man United’s Ayden Heaven was “lucky” at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 18 April.

With Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire both suspended, Michael Carrick called upon United’s 19-year-old defender to fill in, and it was a rocky opening few minutes for the youngster.

There was a VAR check for a potential penalty after Heaven crunched into the Blues’ No.10, but with the foul adjudged to be outside the area, Palmer was left frustrated in Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Man United.

Ayden Heaven ‘lucky’ as Cole Palmer left frustrated

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There’s no doubt that this was a foul, and it should have resulted in a free-kick. The good thing about VAR is that they’re a third eye. 

“Often, we forget that the line is part of the penalty area. But he’s [Ayden Heaven] lucky to get away with not giving away a free-kick. It’s a simple decision.

“I can’t understand how Michael Oliver failed to judge that. He’s going to the World Cup, so [Pierluigi] Collina will expect him to be tighter on these challenges.

“In fairness to Michael Oliver, you can be easily covered by a player. He could have had his view blocked, but it’s surprising. A referee of his status should give that.” 

What else did Michael Oliver get wrong at Stamford Bridge?

Oliver was an unpopular figure at Stamford Bridge at the weekend, with both sets of supporters frustrated by his performance in the middle of the pitch.

As well as not award a dangerous free-kick in the Blues’ favour, many would argue that Marc Cucurella should have been booked for an act of simulation when trying to buy a penalty in the latter stages.

The referee was clearly keen to get his cards out, with Matheus Cunha receiving the first caution of the night, being punished for a late foul on Jorrel Hato when trying to win the ball.

It was an innocuous challenge, one that could have been swept under the rug. It was a frustrating night for the majority of supporters in West London, and it was made worse by the referee’s display.

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