Jack Grealish Handball In FA Cup, Pochettino Disappointed Chelsea Can't Get A Penalty

Chelsea in the FA Cup semifinal match against Manchester City (X/@ChelseaFC)

JAKARTA - Chelsea again failed to win the trophy after losing 1-0 against Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinals. Only manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted he was furious and disappointed that Chelsea should have received a penalty after Man City midfielder Jack Grealish handball in the box.

Pochettino deserves to be disappointed. Chelsea had a number of chances in a duel at Wembley Stadium, Saturday, April 20, 2024 evening WIB. The best chance was obtained by striker Nicholas Jackson, but he failed to complete it.

Chelsea also had the chance to get a penalty when Cole Palmers' free kick hit Grealish's arm.

Although it is clear that Grealish did a handball in the penalty box, referee Michael Oliver allowed the incident.

The referee's attitude made Pochettino inflamed. Because the incident was clearly visible from the sidelines.

Assistant manager Jesus Perez also witnessed Grealish's crash. Not only Chelsea's camp, but netizens also said it was 100% a penalty.

"Wow, that's handball all day long," wrote @TheVillaPolls on the X account (formerly Twitter).

"No doubt. The hand was far and in uninatural position, the ball has changed its direction. 100% penalty," said Michael Elgort on the account @just_whatever. There are also those who write sarcastically, "BREAKing: Hands are now allowed at Wembley." wrote @FreshSport87.

Meanwhile, Pochettino said, "From the sidelines, it's hard not to see a penalty. I spoke [to the referee] especially after Jesus and staff confirmed that it should be a penalty."

As approaching the fourth referee Darren England, Pochettino said, "I just told him, 'Why not review the incident on TV [VAR].' I think from what I saw [it was a penalty]. But the referee decided to continue the match."

After the match, Pochettino approached Oliver to submit a complaint. However, complaining after the match is useless.

In that match, Man City's winning goal was scored by Bernardo Silva in 84 minutes. Pep Guardiola's troops advanced to the final in an effort to defend the title against Manchster United or Coventry City.

For Chelsea this is the second time in a season they have failed. Previously, the Blues lost in the Carabao Cup final. Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley.

"In this match, we played very well. But I can't say if my team is better because it is difficult to measure it. The most important thing is that we are able to compete," said Pochettino.

"We need to take the positive side of this match. This team needs moments like this match to improve capabilities," he replied.