(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Mon 4 May 2026 17:30, UK Updated Mon 4 May 2026 17:49, UK

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The Premier League have spoken out after Chelsea striker Joao Pedro saw a goal ruled out during their 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Vitor Pereira’s side stunned the European hopefuls at Stamford Bridge, as Taiwo Awoniyi netted a brace either side of Igor Jesus’ penalty to hand the visitors a valuable three points in their fight against relegation.

By contrast, the Blues’ defeat on home turf provided another major dent to their hopes of securing European football for next season, as they are now ninth in the Premier League table.

Cole Palmer missed a penalty for Chelsea shortly before half-time, and Pedro saw a goal ruled out in the 73rd minute, before eventually getting on the scoresheet in stoppage time.

Forest’s victory was just their second in their last 15 meetings with Chelsea, and it certainly didn’t come without its controversies.

Premier League provide explanation for Joao Pedro decision

Pedro was at the centre of the action on Monday afternoon, as he was a constant thorn in the side of the Forest defence, before almost cutting the deficit in the second period.

The Brazilian got on the end of Marc Cucurella’s cross from the left wing and saw his close-range effort saved by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, but he was on hand to dive and nod the ball home on the rebound.

The goal was initially awarded by the officiating team, but a lengthy review from VAR official James Bell ultimately dictated that the goal should be ruled out.

Replays appeared to show that Pedro was a matter of centimetres offside as the cross was delivered, with around half of his right boot being beyond Neco Williams as the last defender.

The Premier League have now made an announcement via their Match Centre account on X to confirm the decision, as they wrote: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Joao Pedro was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”

Nottingham Forest to benefit from Vitor Pereira masterstroke vs Chelsea

Forest are set to take on Aston Villa on Thursday night in the second leg of their crucial Europa League semi-final at Villa Park.

The Reds have been resurgent in their fight against relegation in recent weeks, and they have now earned the right to place full priority on their European campaign as they are within touching distance of the final.

Pereira rotated heavily from the team that beat Villa 1-0 in the first leg last week, but they still emerged victorious in surprise fashion at Stamford Bridge.

That decision to rest several of his key stars now appears to be a masterstroke, considering that his team turned in such a positive display and earned their just rewards.

Forest are now six points clear of the relegation zone with just nine left to play for, and also have the prospect of a totally fresh unit to line up against Villa later in the week.