Referee explains VAR penalty decision vs Chelsea after Trevoh Chalobah 'handball'

Referee Francois Letexier has revealed why he decided against rewarding Fluminense a penalty against Chelseain Tuesday night's Club World Cup semi-final.

The Blues booked their spot in Sunday's final thanks totwo goals from Joao Pedro on his first start for the club since his £60million move from Brighton.

Pedro scored in both halves against his former team to show exactly why Enzo Maresca wanted to sign him this summer. The west Londoners will now play one of Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the final at the weekend.

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However, the outcome may have been different if Fluminense were given a penalty in the 37th minute. Initially, Lextexier rewarded the Brazilian side a spot-kick after adjudging Trevoh Chalobah to have handballed the ball inside the box.

But the decision was overturned following advice from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and the French referee explained his decision as he was mic'd up for the crowd inside the MetLife Stadium.

"After video review, the handball committed [Chalobah] saw his hand in a natural position, meaning the offence is not punishable [with the awarding of a penalty kick]."

The overturned decision went on to be key for Chelsea with Pedro doubling his tally later in the game. "We are very happy, we are very proud to play the final on Sunday," Maresca told reporters after the game.

"The reason why is because this is the Club World Cup, the best clubs in the world is here. For us to be there on Sunday is something that we are very proud of, so we are very happy."

Asked about Pedro's debut, the Italian added: "We are very happy with Joao, we know that Joao is a very good player and a student that he can be. Because he has qualities inside, like today.

"I think another thing that is important about Joao is that he was on holiday, so it's a bit more fresh compared to the rest. So it's something that is important to be aware of that. So, happy for Joao."