Pierre-Aubameyang opens Chelsea account – but should Thiago Silva have been on the pitch to provide assist? Crystal Palace fume at deliberate hand bal

01/10/2022 17:02

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his first Chelsea goal at Crystal Palace – but Thiago Silva was lucky to stay on the pitch and create it. Summer signing Aubameyang cancelled out Osdonne Edouard’s early opener to equalise for the Blues with a smart finish. Aubameyang got off the mark for Chelsea at Selhurst ParkGetty The Gabon striker allowed a smart header from Silva to roll across his body and volley into the bottom corner to kickstart his Chelsea career. However, Palace will argue that Blues defender Silva should have been sent off moments before the assist. The Brazil veteran was caught in possession by Jordan Ayew and deliberately handled the ball to prevent the Palace man going further. While Ayew was 30 yards from goal, Silva was the last man and Eagles players pleaded with the referee for a red card. Silva escaped with yellow and a lengthy VAR check ruled that he had not denied a clear goalscoring opportunity. West Ham legend Alvin Martin, reacting on commentary for talkSPORT said: “You can see why they’re after a red card because he’s handled the ball deliberately. Silva was lucky to escape with yellow and played a part in the goalAFP Most read in Football GAMEDAY Liverpool 1-2 Brighton LIVE: Firmino halves deficit after early Trossard brace LIVE Arsenal 3-1 Spurs LIVE REACTION: Gunners earn bragging rights in comprehensive win ouch 'Dreadful, stupid': Emerson criticised for 'ankle-breaker' in Arsenal win over Spurs view Pearce proposes north London derby be played in the United States FUNNY FIFA 23 reactions: Newcastle star mocks Sunderland as Mount trolled with fake rating GAME Meet EA guru who decides FIFA ratings - and why Thomas Muller remains one exception “He could go. He’s stopped it with his hand. “There must’ve been a disagreement in the VAR booth for it to take that long.” After the Aubameyang goal, Martin added: “Silva, many will say he’s lucky to be on the pitch and he played a part in the equaliser. “It’s deliberate hand ball. The only issue is that they feel he was so far away from goal that he could’ve been caught. “If Silva jumped on his back and hauled him down there, what would the referee have done? It would’ve been a professional foul. “I would’ve given a red. If I was Silva, I would be in the dressing room thanking God.” OFFER OF THE DAY Bet365: Bet £10 Get £50 In Free Bets – CLAIM HERE Open account offer. Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply 18+ Begambleaware.org