According to a report by Football London on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Chelsea have received clarification regarding two controversial penalty decisions involving Cole Palmer and Brian Brobbey during their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

VAR confirmed that referee Jarred Gillett was correct not to award Chelsea a penalty following a challenge on Palmer because the contact took place outside the penalty area.

The incident occurred in the 24th minute when Palmer attempted to move into a dangerous position but was brought down by Sunderland players Noad Sadiki and Luke O'Nien.

The Chelsea forward appealed for a penalty, but Gillett allowed the game to continue. VAR subsequently reviewed the incident and upheld the referee's decision.

The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision in a statement on X, saying: "The referee’s call of no penalty to Chelsea was checked and confirmed by VAR. VAR: 'Confirming the on-field decision of play on, any contact with Palmer occurs outside the penalty area.'"

However, Chelsea were unhappy with another penalty decision involving Brobbey towards the end of the first half.

The Sunderland striker went down after a challenge from Levi Colwill, prompting the referee to award a penalty despite protests from the Chelsea defender.

Colwill maintained that he was being held, but the decision was upheld, allowing Enzo Le Fee to score from the spot and give Sunderland the only goal of the match.

Former England striker Chris Sutton also shared his opinion on both incidents, suggesting that Palmer had reasons to feel aggrieved.

"I'm not so sure there's a touch on the ball from the challenging Sunderland defenders. Palmer is screaming for a foul. But he's hard done by there, Palmer. It's a foul isn't it?"

Commenting on Brobbey's penalty, Sutton acknowledged that there had been contact from Colwill, adding: "Maybe it's six of one, half a dozen for the other in terms of the holding, but Colwill clips him.

"Xabi Alonso's not happy but Brobbey warned his team. Colwill has been bullied by Brobbey. Sunderland deservedly in front."

Chelsea pushed for an equaliser after the interval, introducing Estêvão at half-time. However, the teenager failed to take advantage of an opportunity after being played through by Morgan Rogers.

Mike Penders also denied Sunderland a second goal with a close-range save to keep out Wilson Isidor.

The defeat left Chelsea frustrated after a match dominated by debate surrounding the two penalty incidents. However, the VAR explanation confirmed that the decision not to award Palmer a penalty was in line with the laws of the game.