At the start of the game between Chelsea vs Crystal Palace in the premier league, the midfielder Eberechi Eze appeared to score the first goal in the game with an impressive free-kick within the first 15 minutes of the game. The fans went wild, but VAR stepped in and disqualified the goal to the surprise of many fans.
This was because one of the Palace players was too near the defensive wall of Chelsea. Referee Darren England gave an explanation of the decision which reads: “Upon review, the away number six is less than one metre away from the wall as the shot is taken.” Thus, it is an indirect free-kick and a goal is disallowed.”
The international football association board law 13 indicates that when a wall of three or more defenders is formed attackers can only remain at a distance of one metre until the ball is in play. This rule was introduced in 2019-20 and lets free-kicks be honest and rules out time-wasting.
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Eventually Eze was forbidden its brilliance in trying to score. The game between Chelsea and Crystal Palace is always intense and at this time; it reiterated the need to take the rules of free-kick to the book. The debate on the decision kept the fans chatting but fair play won the day.
