Chelsea followers rage ‘what is the level of VAR’ as Ipswich Town rating controversial penalty

Ipswich Town were awarded a controversial penalty against Chelsea after Filip Jorgensen was adjudged to have fouled Liam Delap, who then converted from the spot

Chelsea fans were left raging after Ipswich Town were awarded a controversial penalty in the opening stages of their Premier League clash.

Enzo Maresca’s title hopefuls travelled to Portman Road on Monday night to face Kieran McKenna’s relegation battlers. But the visitors got off to a nightmare start by conceding a spot kick after just 12 minutes.

Maresca had dropped several players following the 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham at the weekend, including goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. And his replacement, Filip Jorgensen, was in the spotlight when the game had barely begun.

Liam Delap chased a through ball from Leif Davis into the penalty area, where he appeared to lose his balance, but the onrushing Jorgensen connected with him.

The referee awarded a penalty, which was confirmed by VAR. Delap then converted from the spot, putting his penalty just inside the post with pace and power.

Chelsea fans were left fuming with the decision, with Blues supporters branding it a “disgrace”. One frustrated fan posting on X said: “HOW can you be a professional referee and give this? I’m sorry but the game has absolutely GONE.”

Another said: “How can Michael Oliver watch it on a replay not even in real time and give that?” A third fan commented: “one of the worst calls we’ve ever seen.” While a fourth added: “Where is the contact? Delap is on the ground sliding in long before keeper comes out. Shocking from VAR.”

However, other fans agreed with the decision. One posted: “Stone wall penalty. Good decision.” A second commented: “He kicked his leg… its a stone wall penalty.” While another said: “Shut up that’s penalty I’m a Chelsea fan as well”