Chelsea had reason to feel aggrieved after their 1-0 defeat to Sunderland on Sunday, particularly over a penalty decision involving Cole Palmer. Palmer was brought down by Luke O’Nien on the edge of the 18-yard box, but referee Jarred Gillett waved play on and VAR did not intervene.

The decision caused plenty of debate, especially as Sunderland were later awarded a penalty for Levi Colwill’s negligible challenge on Brian Brobbey. Enzo Le Fee converted from the spot to give the Black Cats all three points at the Stadium of Light.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has now explained why Chelsea were not awarded a penalty, but his explanation has raised even more questions. Chelsea legend Jody Morris was among those unconvinced by Gallagher’s analysis and criticised him on social media.

Jody Morris slams Dermot Gallagher’s explanation for Cole Palmer penalty decision

Discussing the incident on Sky Sports, Dermot Gallagher claimed Jarred Gillett had already awarded a free-kick against Sunderland midfielder Jules Ahoka before Luke O’Nien made contact with Cole Palmer. He argued that the referee could not then award a penalty because the game had effectively been stopped.

“The referee gives a foul against Ahoka here,” Gallagher said. “That is the foul he gives. There is no doubt that O’Nien completes the action when he is in the box. Once he gives the first foul, the game is terminated, so that’s it. What happens afterwards, he can only take action if he deems there is an act of violent conduct or serious foul play.”

Gallagher added that Gillett had identified Ahoka as the player responsible for the initial foul, with O’Nien only making contact afterwards. However, fellow panellists Tim Sherwood and Jay Bothroyd disagreed, believing Chelsea should have been awarded a penalty.

The biggest problem with Gallagher’s explanation is that Gillett did not actually award a free-kick against Ahoka. VAR should have been able to review O’Nien’s challenge and decide whether the contact took place inside the penalty area.

Former Chelsea player and coach Jody Morris was clearly unimpressed by both the original decision and Gallagher’s subsequent explanation. “I mean how on earth is not given as a penalty from the ref… even worse from VAR,” Morris tweeted.

The 47-year-old then turned his attention directly to Gallagher’s analysis. He added: “This is absolutely pathetic. Dermot Gallagher doesn’t even know that the ref didn’t give a foul.”

Indeed, Gallagher’s explanation was unjustifiable when it was based on an incorrect account of what had happened on the pitch. Morris’ comments also reflect the frustration among Chelsea supporters, who believe their side should have had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot.