Breaking down the two controversial penalty incidents in Sunderland v Chelsea

At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland defeated Chelsea to move out of the Premier League relegation zone. The match saw two controversial penalty incidents. First, Cole Palmer claimed an appeal was waved away for a challenge from Luke O’Nien on the edge of the box. Then, Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey won a penalty after going down under a challenge from Chelsea’s Levi Colwill.

At the 24th minute, Palmer skillfully dribbled towards the box, evading Jules Ahoka, who had replaced Granit Xhaka. O’Nien's left leg touched Palmer, bringing him down without contact with the ball. VAR ruled that the contact took place outside the penalty area, and Palmer disagreed with Gillett’s decision.

At the 35th minute, Brobbey won a penalty after the contact with Colwill. Both players had each other's grip as Brobbey turned. While Chelsea players initially appealed, Gillett pointed to the spot. Former Premier League referee Darren Cann believed Gillett correctly awarded the penalty, stating that Brobbey and Colwill were tussling outside the box and then Brobbey was tripped by Colwill’s lower leg.

Colwill was substituted at halftime, but Chelsea still suffered their fourth defeat in eight Premier League games, failing to threaten Sunderland in the second half.