Ex-PGMOL chief re-analyses Chelsea vs Hull footage amid late penalty cries

Chelsea were rightly not awarded a late penalty for handball in their 2-2 draw with Hull City on Saturday.

That is the opinion of former head of PGMOL and FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

Mohamed Belloumi's brace saw Chelsea drop points at Stamford Bridge, with Joao Pedro eventually equalising after Morgan Rogers had put the home side in front.

Xabi Alonso was spotted in heated discussions with the officials after the final whistle, with the ball having appeared to strike Semi Ajayi's hand in the final seconds.

Appeals were waved away and Chelsea have been forced to settle for a second consecutive Premier League game without victory after last week's defeat to Arsenal.

A trip to Brentford will be the next test for Alonso's side, who will hope to bounce back.

Chelsea handball claim dismissed

It would take just seconds for VAR to check Farai Hallam's decision of no penalty and confirm it.

Despite the huge protests from Alonso and the Stamford Bridge faithful, it was ultimately a futile claim.

Estevao's attempted cross appeared to strike the trailing hand of Ajayi, who had been attempting to withdraw it.

Any contact was incredibly minor, however, and it was unclear just how much the flight of the ball was affected.

"It is evident that the penalty kick was not awarded because it is not definitive that the ball came into contact with the hand," Hackett told Football Insider.

"So correct decision not to award a penalty kick. Clearly, had contact been made, then the extended arm away from the defender's body would be a signal for the referee and VAR to award a penalty kick.

"No contact with the hand/arm therefore there is no offence - no penalty kick."

Handball law continues to confuse

For yet another season, it appears clear that Premier League clubs will face another year of uncertainty over handball decisions.

Given the vagueness of the laws, inconsistent decisions have been given over the over again in recent years.

Saturday's incident, while appearing a straight-forward one to referee, has likely been given the other way on other occasions.

One thing is certain - the handball law promises to be a constant topic of discussion for yet another season.