Premier League officials under fire after a stunning VAR controversy in the Ipswich vs. Chelsea clash. A statement has been released addressing what many are calling the “worst VAR decision of 2024.”

Fans believe they may have witnessed the “worst VAR decision of all time” during Chelsea’s clash against Ipswich at Portman Road on Monday.

Enzo Maresca’s side conceded a 12th-minute penalty, which was both won and converted by Ipswich forward Liam Delap, marking his seventh goal of the season. However, the referee’s decision to award the spot kick left fans on social media questioning the call.

The incident began when Ipswich surged forward, with Leif Davis threading a pass to a charging Delap. The striker appeared to lose his balance before coming into contact with Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. The referee awarded a penalty, but replays suggested Delap had already fallen before his momentum carried him toward Jorgensen. He briefly got back to his feet before going down again, sparking controversy.

The Premier League addressed the uproar with a statement, saying: “The referee’s call of a penalty for a foul by Jorgensen on Delap was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”

Fans took to social media to express their frustrations.

One wrote: “I think the goalkeeper hits him with his knee, look at his knee only.”

Another added: “He clearly goes to stand up, then dives.”

A third commented: “He has already lost the ball.”

A fourth exclaimed: “Even if he does clip him a little bit, the contact is extremely minimal. The sport died the day we started giving pens for anything.”

Another frustrated fan slammed: “That’s definitely not a penalty.”

A sixth added: “What’s the point in VAR if that doesn’t get overturned?”

Adding to Chelsea’s woes, Joao Felix appeared to score in the 27th minute, only for VAR to disallow the goal due to an offside in the buildup. The Premier League Match Centre explained on X: “Felix’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that he was in an offside position and recommended that the goal be disallowed.”

Chelsea ended the first half trailing 1-0 after a lackluster performance, leaving fans fuming over the contentious calls.