Chelsea told why controversial Leeds goal allowed to stand after VAR check for handball

Noah Okafor celebrates Leeds United's equaliser at Chelsea (Image: Getty Images)

Leeds United defender Jayden Bogle made no handball offence in the build-up to their equaliser against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the Premier League match centre has confirmed.

Daniel Farke's men came from 2-0 down to level the scoring in the 73rd minute in London, thanks to Felix Nmecha's penalty and Okafor's chaotic equaliser.

In the build-up to Okafor's goal, the ball seemed to strike Bogle on the elbow outside the box before it entered the box. Okafor made the most of a mistake from Josh Acheampong to bundle the ball home.

Referee Robert Jones awarded the goal on the field, and the Premier League match centre confirmed that the video assistant referee (VAR) upheld that decision. Writing on X, they explained: "The referee’s call of goal to Leeds United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with there deemed to be no handball offence by Bogle in the build-up."

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Liam Rosenior's men had made their dominance pay in the opening hour at Stamford Bridge. Joao Pedro lofted the ball over Karl Darlow in the first half before Cole Palmer doubled the Blues' lead from the penalty spot.

However, Leeds came back into the game courtesy of Nmecha's penalty after Moises Caicedo brought Bogle down. Six minutes later, Okafor scored after a bizarre scramble inside the Chelsea box to put Farke's men level.

Replays showed that the ball appeared to strike Bogle on the thigh before it hit his right elbow. However, it wasn't a clear contact, and the goal was allowed to stand after Jones allowed the ball to be passed into the empty net.

The draw means Chelsea miss the chance to cut the gap to Aston Villa in the top four places.