Why Sheffield United were cruelly denied an early opening goal against Chelsea

Chelsea had a big let-off in the opening stages of tonight’s game with Sheffield United after the Blades were awarded an early penalty – only for VAR to chalk it off for offside.
By Danny Hall
Published 7th Feb 2021, 19:36 BST
Sheffield United's English defender Chris Basham (C) is fouled by Chelsea's English defender Ben Chilwell (R) but the penalty was not given after a VAR review (Photo by OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Sheffield United's English defender Chris Basham (C) is fouled by Chelsea's English defender Ben Chilwell (R) but the penalty was not given after a VAR review (Photo by OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Sheffield United's English defender Chris Basham (C) is fouled by Chelsea's English defender Ben Chilwell (R) but the penalty was not given after a VAR review (Photo by OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

United thought that they had a chance to make early inroads in the game when Ben Chilwell fouled Chris Basham in the Chelsea area, after a deep cross from Kean Bryan.

Referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot after giving himself a few moments to think about it – but when VAR checked the replays, Basham was in an offside position and the penalty was chalked off.

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Understandably, the incident was a big talking point for Blades fans on Twitter.

@Stevwrig tweeted: “Again, a fantastic ball in by Kean Bryan. Lad can really whip a ball in. Decent start, come on United!”

@SUFCLuca added: “He was quite far off tbf.”

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Related topics:ChelseaBladesVARChris BashamChris HoltKean BryanBen Chilwell

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