VAR audio has explained why referee Jarred Gillet didn't award Cole Palmer a penalty in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Regis Le Bris' side secured just their second league win this season with a spot-kick of their own through Enzo Le Fee after Brian Brobbey went down in the box. Gillet's decision came in controversy as replays seem to suggest there was minimal contact from Levi Colwill that led to the Dutch striker falling to the ground.

Chelsea then appealed for a penalty after Luke O'Nien's tackle on Palmer, which sent the English attacker on the turf in the hosts' box. On this occasion, not only did Gillet wave play on but VAR felt no need to intervene despite huge calls from Xabi Alonso, his staff and fans.

VAR Audio Confirms Decision Over Palmer Penalty Appeal

Chelsea suffered their fourth defeat of the league campaign and sit fifth heading into November's international break. Alonso may feel his side deserved a penalty, but VAR's verdict explains that even if a foul had been committed no spot-kick would have been awarded.

The Premier League Match Centre posted a transcript of the audio from VAR after it had checked and confirmed the referee's decision: "Confirming the on-field decision of play on, any contact with Palmer occurs outside the penalty area."

Controversial decisions aside, Chelsea were second best for large parts of the game and looked toothless up top. For Le Bris and his Black Cats it's a vital three points that moves them on to eight points, one point off 17th-placed Coventry City after 10 games played.

Roy Keane Gives Verdict On Other Penalty Decision

Roy Keane applauded Brobbey for winning the penalty for Sunderland and called it 'brilliant centre-forward play.' The former Manchester United captain agreed with the decision, saying on Sky Sports:

"It's brilliant centre-forward play from Brobbey. He's been a big loss to them. If you want to criticise the defender, he gets too tight. When you get rolled, you're in big trouble. I think it's the right decision. A big moment for Sunderland."

Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders, meanwhile, disagreed and felt Gillet got it wrong. Speaking after the game, he said, "For me it wasn't a penalty. He barely touched him, I think it was the other way round. He grabbed him."

Penders acknowledged how difficult a trip to the Stadium of Light is and felt his side did have control of the game at times. There are also question marks over Alonso's team selection as he opted to leave Estevao out of the starting lineup despite the Brazilian's impressive display in last weekend's 2-0 win over Manchester United.