Chelsea get immediate verdict on controversial Jorrel Hato penalty decision vs Qarabag

Steve Sidwell believes that Chelsea were unlucky to give away a penalty during the first half of their Champions League clash with Qarabag. Referee Sebastian Gishamer pointed to the spot after the ball struck Jorrel Hato's arm from close range inside the penalty area.

Video Assistant Referee Manuel Schuettengruber and his colleague Josef Spurny examined the incident. However, they backed the original decision, leaving the Blues defender penalised for a handball violation. Marko Jankovic converted the spot-kick for Qarabag, sending Robert Sanchez the wrong way.

Speaking on TNT Sports from the commentary box at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku, former Blues midfielder Sidwell said: "It seemed a little bit harsh.

"We're waiting to see a replay for the distance there. He's only a couple of yards away with his hands and his arm, they are out of the silhouette of his body, but it's what two yards away. You've seen these given, especially in the European scene."

Qarabag had drawn level just moments before, with Leandro Andrade reacting fastest to a loose rebound inside the penalty box.

Sidwell identified the goal as a pivotal moment for the Azerbaijani side.

"Since they've got the equaliser they've been the brighter team and on the front foot," noted the TNT Sports co-commentator.

"Trying to squeeze Chelsea on their backline. And that proves it.

"I felt before the game that this was going to be a potential banana skin, as this game was not a given. They really have a game on their hands. They need to get back into this game as quickly as possible, more so defensively than anything else."

Both Shay Given and Joe Cole highlighted Hato's struggles at the interval.

The former Manchester City goalkeeper added: "They deserve the lead at half-time. Hato at the back is all over the place. You don't want to be too harsh, he's a young centre-half, only 19. He gets a bit tangled up."

Cole continued: "I hope he stays on the pitch because he'll learn so much about himself now, because he'll feel at fault for the goals. Now it's about character. There's lessons for him.

"That's what this team will do. There will be mistakes with young players and that's what's happened. Second half, go and win the game, personality, puff your chest out and go and play."

Maresca had praised Qarabag before kick-off, acknowledging their impressive results earlier in the tournament.

The Chelsea boss said: "They beat Benfica, they beat Copenhagen, they were winning against [Athletic] Bilbao and then at the end they lost.

"But for sure it's going to be a tough game for different reasons," Maresca added. "Yeah, as a team, to be honest, they are a very good team. They are a very intense team.

"The way they press, the way they work together as a team, you can see that it's many, many years they work with the same manager. And then, especially at home, they are more intense. And as I said, it will be tough."