Chelsea have been handed an immediate VAR verdict after Malo Gusto conceded a crucial penalty against Nottingham Forest. Former Arsenal ace Alan Smith said Gusto committed a “definite shirt pull” which resulted in the Blues finding themselves 2-0 down after 17 first half minutes.
Taiwo Awoniyi headed Forest into the lead after barely 90 seconds to silence Stamford Bridge. Barely a couple of minutes after Enzo Fernandez hit the post, Gusto tugged on the shirt of Awoniyi as the striker tried to get on the end of a cross from Dilane Bakwa.
Referee Anthony Taylor did not see the incident, but after the official was told to consult VAR, he saw Gusto grab a handful of Awoniyi’s shirt before the striker fell down. A penalty was given and Igor Jesus made no mistake from the spot.
When Taylor made his mind up, he announced: “After review, Chelsea number 27 deliberately pulls his opponent, therefore my final decision is penalty kick and yellow card.”
Seconds after the decision was given, Smith handed Gusto and his colleagues an immediate VAR verdict. The Sky Sports commentator said: “It’s just ridiculous, though. Try and get goal-side, don’t just tug his shirt. Such lazy defending from Malo Gusto, and it’s cost his team.”
The Premier League also explained the decision on their Match Centre page on X, writing: “#CHENFO – 12’ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Nottingham Forest.”
A penalty was awarded after a VAR check(Image: Sky Sports)
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer also had no sympathy for Gusto, stating it was a crazy decision from the Frenchman. The Australian, speaking on BBC Radio 5-Live said: “I think this will be a penalty.
“Surely it has to be? It’s not just a small tug, it’s a full pull. I would be absolutely flabbergasted if this isn’t given.”
The only positive for Gusto is that he only received a yellow card instead of a red card. As a result of the cross being way over Awoniyi’s head, the situation was not a goal-scoring opportunity.
Malo Gusto’s shirt pull has left the west Londoners with a mountain to climb(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
If the Forest striker was about to meet it at the back post, Gusto may have been in even more trouble. Aside from that, there are few positives to draw on for Calum McFarlane’s side.
The Blues need a win over the relegation battlers to ensure they have a faint chance of finishing in the top six. If Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish sixth, then the Premier League team who finishes in sixth place will qualify for the Champions League.`
Any hope of the Blues finishing in the top five appears to be diminished, having lost their previous five Premier League matches in a row without scoring a single goal.