Premier League explain why Chelsea penalty vs Man United was overturned

The Premier League have explained why Chelsea had a penalty overturned against Manchester United. The Blues were awarded a spot-kick during the second half at Stamford Bridge on Friday night when Andre Onana was adjudged to have fouled Tyrique George inside the box.

Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot, but the Video Assistant Referee, Craig Pawson, quickly intervened and recommended a review of the incident on the pitch-side monitor. After watching the collision back, Kavanagh overturned his decision, deeming Onana to have 'played the ball'.

An official statement from the Premier League Match Centre reads: "VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty for the challenge by Onana on George and recommended an on-field review – with Onana deemed to have played the ball. The referee overturned the original decision, and play restarted with a drop ball."

Speaking on Sky Sports from the gantry at Stamford Bridge, Alan Smith agreed with the officials' call. The co-commentator said: "Just as we were talking about changing the centre-forward, the youngster, has he come good here or has he taken a fall?

"Onana knows which it is. Certainly, George gets a little toe to it but after that... I think it's a dive. Maybe anticipating the contact. 'Keeper certainly gets something of the ball. I don't think this is going to stand, you know. I don't think this is going to stand."

Shortly after the incident, Marc Cucurella fired Chelsea into the lead. The 26-year-old defender latched onto a delightful cross from Reece James, heading the ball past Onana to score his fifth goal of the Premier League campaign.

"How much energy and motivation have Man Utd got to get back in this game?" said Smith, as the Blues took the lead. "Chelsea have been the