Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has weighed in on a controversial moment during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, claiming the Blues were wrongly denied a penalty in the second half.

With Chelsea leading 1-0, Pedro Neto was brought down in the box by Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell. The on-field referee ruled that Mitchell got the ball first and decided not to award a penalty. However, Dean, now a pundit for Sky Sports, firmly disagreed with the decision.

“I think it’s a penalty kick. I think Neto’s got there first, knocked the ball away and Mitchell’s caught him from behind,” Dean stated during his analysis.

Dean went on to explain why the decision should have been overturned upon review. “So, I think it should be a penalty. He’s probably looked at it and thought he might have got a touch on the ball but I’ve slowed it down a few times and he hasn’t touched the ball.”

The former referee concluded his assessment by emphasising the clarity of the incident: “I think it should have been an intervention and a definite penalty.”

The missed decision could have been pivotal for Chelsea, who ultimately conceded a late equaliser to Jean-Philippe Mateta. This controversial moment has sparked further debates about the consistency of officiating and VAR decisions in the Premier League.