Both Joe Cole and Peter Crouch praised referee Serdar Gozubuyuk, after the referee stood by his original decision despite being sent to the pitch monitor in Chelsea’s Conference League clash against Heidenheim.
Chelsea drew 0-0 at half-time in the Conference League, the first time they had gone into half-time without leading in the competition, before Christopher Nkunku broke the deadlock shortly afterwards.
The Blues were mostly hampered by Heidenheim (playing against an English team for the first time in their history), but thought they had a golden opportunity to score in the first half.
In the 33rd minute, Mykhailo Mudryk thought he had deserved a penalty for his team, but referee Gozubuyuk was not convinced.
However, the VAR seemed to think otherwise and recommended that the Dutch referee go to the monitor and reconsider his decision, something that in most cases causes the decision to be reversed.
However, on this occasion Gozubuyuk stood his ground and felt that the contact with the Ukrainian was not enough to merit a penalty.
Serdar Gozubuyuk stood by his original decision not to penalize Chelsea on Thursday.
Mykhailo Mudryk was judged to have gone down too easily following a challenge late in the first half.
Mudryk was then criticized for going down “theatrically” by Chelsea legend Joe Cole at half-time.
Both Cole and Crouch in the studio at half-time praised the Dutch referee and praised his decision.
“We don’t see it often, so you have to give credit to the referee, he got it right,” Cole began on TNT Sports.
“Mudryk put it in the pocket, and look at this electric pace as he drives. Clumsy from center half but when you see it from the other angle he doesn’t really play, it’s a clip that’s not enough.
‘Mudryk falls theatrically. It’s the right decision on your part, and I’m glad you listened to the rumors (sic) to go to the monitor and stand your ground.’
Crouch strongly agreed, suggesting that Mudryk “initiated” the contact, but that the referee was right to make his “brave” decision.
“It’s a show of bravery on the part of the referee, many times when they go there you think that they’re automatically going to give it to you,” he added.
‘I thought I had made the right decision, but I don’t think it was enough. Mudryk sticks his shoe into his shin and starts it. “It wasn’t enough for a penalty and congratulations to the referee.”
During the match, home fans also raised a banner aimed at their visitors on Thursday night.
Cole felt Mudryk went down under insufficient pressure from the defender to warrant a penalty.
Crouch was in complete agreement and praised referee Gozubuyuk’s “brave” decision that night.
Heidenheim fans put up a banner with an eight-word warning to Chelsea on Thursday night.
‘Let’s make Brexit happen’. “Send Chelsea home tonight,” he said in English, across the entire field.
Heidenheim fans held another one reading: “God save the king,” in front of a representation of their coach Frank Schmidt wearing a crown.
The two clubs had enjoyed a positive start to their respective Europa Conference League campaigns before the clash in southern Germany, with both taking three wins from three before kick-off.
Enzo Maresca and company are considered one of the favorites to go all the way this season, and have arguably the strongest squad in the competition, so strong that Cole Palmer was not registered at any point in order to preserve his long-term form.