The first controversial incident occurred in first-half stoppage time. Joao Pedro fell inside the penalty area after a collision with Abdukodir Khusanov. Referee Darren England allowed play to continue, and the video assistant referee (VAR) team, led by Peter Bankes, did not recommend a review of the situation.

After the break, Chelsea reacted strongly again when Khusanov collided with Jorrel Hato in the penalty area. Although VAR reviewed the incident, referee England maintained his decision not to award a foul.

“Both were difficult situations, but for me, the collision between Hato and Khusanov was clearly a penalty,” McFarlane stated after the match. “Hato had taken up a position in front and was impacted from behind. If that happened anywhere else on the field, it would be a foul.”

The English coach also drew a comparison to a similar incident in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the 36th round of the Premier League last week. “It was similar to the collision between Joao Pedro and Jeremie Frimpong. I thought Chelsea deserved a penalty then too. Sometimes you get the call, sometimes you don’t,” he remarked.

On social media, many Chelsea supporters also protested the VAR decisions. Numerous comments suggested Chelsea should have been awarded clear penalties, with some even arguing that a similar collision outside the box would have resulted in a foul and a card.

Head coach Calum McFarlane reacts during Chelsea’s 0-1 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 16/5/2026. *Photo: AP*

However, many experts believe referee England and VAR made the correct decisions. Regarding the collision between Khusanov and Pedro, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg stated, “There was contact, but I would be surprised if the referee awarded a penalty, as it was a legitimate shoulder-to-shoulder challenge, and Khusanov was stronger in the tackle.”

On BBC, former assistant referee Darren Cann agreed, “In my opinion, there was no penalty. Two players collided shoulder-to-shoulder, both capable of playing the ball, and the on-field decision was correct.”

Former striker Alan Shearer also believed VAR had no reason to intervene. “I’m not sure Khusanov could have avoided Joao Pedro in that situation. I don’t think VAR would change the decision. He stood his ground, took a reasonable position, and it was a very good defensive play,” the English football legend commented.

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard remarked, “That was a legitimate shoulder challenge. Khusanov and Marc Guehi played extremely well in their one-on-one challenges in this half.”

Regarding the collision between Hato and Khusanov in the second half, Clattenburg also stated there was insufficient basis for Chelsea to be awarded a penalty. “I would be very surprised if Chelsea were awarded a penalty in that situation. Khusanov was stronger in the challenge, and if there was contact, it was an impact from both sides,” the former English referee observed.

Semenyo’s goal from the stands.

The final at Wembley was a balanced affair with few dangerous opportunities. In this stalemate, Manchester City found a way to make a difference through a moment of individual brilliance. In the 71st minute, Erling Haaland delivered a cross for Antoine Semenyo to score with an improvised back-heel, sending the ball diagonally into the net and securing a 1-0 victory.

Manchester City secured their eighth FA Cup in history and their third under Pep Guardiola. They also completed a domestic double, following their League Cup triumph, and remain in contention for the Premier League title against Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Chelsea became the first team to lose four consecutive FA Cup finals since Leicester City between 1949 and 1969. The “Blues” also face the risk of not qualifying for European competition next season. They currently sit ninth in the Premier League. To secure a European spot, they would likely need to finish eighth.

By Hong Duy