VAR Crushes Eze's Spectacular Free-Kick Dream in Chelsea Clash

Eberechi Eze saw his spectacular free-kick strike chalked off by the video assistant referee (VAR) in what might prove to be the England international's last outing in Crystal Palace colors.

At one stage during the weekend, it appeared uncertain whether Eze would even travel to Stamford Bridge for Palace's Premier League season curtain-raiser against Chelsea. The Eagles' FA Cup final standout has been at the center of intense transfer rumors throughout the summer, with both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur showing keen interest.

Tottenham have accelerated their chase in recent times, to such a degree that Saturday reports suggested Eze might be omitted from Oliver Glasner's matchday roster for their campaign kickoff.

Nevertheless, with a transfer deal still incomplete, the decision was made for Eze to feature, and Glasner named him in Palace's starting lineup. Within just 15 minutes of kickoff, it appeared the 27-year-old had provided perfect storyline material by giving the away side the advantage.

Why Eberechi Eze's Free-Kick vs. Chelsea Was Disallowed

Eze thundered a free-kick from the penalty area's perimeter past Robert Sánchez, having netted a brilliant strike at this venue last campaign.

Initially, the goal appeared legitimate, but Darren England was advised by VAR James Bell to review the pitchside monitor. The check wasn't for potential offside, but for an infringement. Marc Guéhi had pushed Moisés Caicedo aside, creating space for Eze to defeat Sánchez.

Referee England reversed his initial ruling, but clarified that the free-kick was disallowed because Guéhi, after successfully displacing Caicedo, had positioned himself within one meter of the Chelsea defensive wall, constituting a violation. The goal wasn't cancelled due to the Palace skipper's contact with the Ecuador midfielder.

IFAB's Law 13 specifies: "If, when a free kick is taken, an attacking team player is less than 1 m (1 yd) from a 'wall' formed by three or more defending team players, an indirect free kick is awarded."