Why did Eze get a free kick with a heavy shot?

In the Premier League opening match at Stamford Bridge, a dramatic scene appeared shortly after the opening of the game between Chelsea and Crystal Palace: Eze scored a powerful free kick, and was judged invalid after the referee reviewed the scene, so the Blues won the "death-free gold medal".

At that time, Eze took a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. The ball penetrated the wall and defeated Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with her pure strength. Sanchez originally left a gap in the wall to make sure he could see Eze touching the ball clearly, but when Crystal Palace captain Gee pushed Kesedo out of position, Sanchez's vision was blocked.

referee Darren England was asked by VAR (video assistant referee) officials to check the playback. He then announced to the audience at Stamford Bridge that when the free kick was sent, Guy was less than one meter away from the Chelsea wall, which constituted a violation.

At first, there were speculations that the goal was invalid because Gee was convicted of a foul on the side of the attack, thus illegally creating the gap used by Eze's shot.

However, the referee England's announcement to the audience clearly stated the basis for the penalty: "After looking back, it was confirmed that the visiting team player No. 6 (Gei) was less than one meter away from the man wall when the shot occurred. Therefore, the indirect free kick was invalid."

In addition, the football rules clearly stipulate: "When three or more defensive players form a 'man wall', all offensive players must be at least 1 meter away from the 'man wall' until the game resumes (the ball is kicked out).

"If the offensive player is less than 1 meter away from the 'man wall' composed of three or more defensive players when the free kick is less than 1 meter away, an indirect free kick should be awarded."

Although this penalty strictly follows the rules, the decision to cancel the goal has caused controversy. Former Chelsea forward Chris Sutton directly criticized the penalty as "ridiculous" in Sky Sports' comments.

Former Manchester City defender Richards said that the penalty was technically correct, but he also criticized VAR for "counter-goal". He said on Sky Sports: "They applied the rules, so you have to respect their (VAR) decisions when it comes to finding these subtleties. It feels like we've seen players pushing and shoving in the walls countless times, and this time it's just Gee's stronger. However, by the rules, this (cancels the goal) is the right penalty."