Enzo Maresca Alleges PGMOL Apologized to Chelsea

• Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca claims PGMOL apologized for a missed penalty decision.
• The incident allegedly occurred during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
• PGMOL denies issuing any apology, fueling further controversy.

Maresca Criticizes Officiating Decisions
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has alleged that the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) sent a written apology to the club after failing to award a penalty in a recent Premier League match.

“Two or three games ago, they didn’t whistle for a penalty, and then we got a mail apologizing, saying it should have been a penalty,” Maresca stated during a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Wolves. “But we don’t need apologies.”

While the Italian manager did not specify the match, The Athletic reports the incident likely occurred during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. In that game, Tyrick Mitchell appeared to foul Pedro Neto in the box, but both the referee and VAR dismissed the appeal. Former referee Mike Dean disagreed, telling Sky Sports, “It should have been a definite penalty.”

PGMOL Denies Apology Allegations
PGMOL sources have refuted Maresca’s claim, stating no apology was issued to Chelsea regarding the Crystal Palace penalty appeal. The governing body has not officially addressed the matter, and Howard Webb omitted the incident in January’s edition of Match Officials Mic’d Up.

Chelsea also faced controversy earlier this month during a match against Bournemouth. Referee Rob Jones opted not to follow VAR’s recommendation to send off David Brooks for a foul on Marc Cucurella, sparking criticism of officiating consistency.

Maresca Defends Chelsea Players
When asked about his players’ on-field appeals for penalties and red cards, Maresca firmly defended their actions. “No, not at all,” he said. “Against Bournemouth, it was a red card. We’re not going to change a thing. Someone has to be embarrassed about this, but not us. I love my players, all of them.”