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Penalty not given for a Declan Rice handball

Sunday, 1 March 2026 · 2025-26 · —

What happened

Penalty not given for a Declan Rice handball. The KMI panel ruled the on-field decision wrong, but not a clear and obvious error, so VAR was right not to intervene.

On the pitch: Penalty not given for a Declan Rice handball
VAR: VAR confirmed
Benefited: ARS Arsenal
Harmed: CHE Chelsea

Fan verdict

Was the final decision right?

One tap, then pick your club. We show how Arsenal fans, Chelsea fans and everyone else answered.

Sources

Officials & their calls

RefereeDarren EnglandErrorcareer on file: 5 err · 86%VARJohn BrooksCorrectcareer on file: 4 err · 86%Assistant VARDan RobathanCorrectcareer on file: 1 err · 90%

What the fans thought

Heated40

60 of 1449 comments in the r/soccer post-match thread were angry about the officiating. Main gripes: penalty and red card.

“I genuinely wonder how good this arsenal defense would be perceived if referees actually knew how to officiate set pieces should have given away 2 penalties today and seemingly every corner they bearhug attackers to stop…” · 130 upvotes

“You are a delusional clown. Arsenal is the only team who has gotten away with hugging and grabbing during corners? Arsenal is the only team to get away with a bizarre handball in an era where no one can consistently even…” · 22 upvotes

Whole-match mood, not this incident alone.

Something wrong or missing?

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What happened

Sources

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