'Someone has to be embarrassed!' - Enzo Maresca claims PGMOL issued apology to Chelsea as he rages over refereeing calls that have gone against his team during miserable five-match winless run

Maresca revealed that the Blues received a written apology from Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) for not receiving a penalty in a match in January. While the Italian coach did not specify the game, it is believed that it was against Crystal Palace on January 4. Pedro Neto was brought down inside the area, but referee Tim Robinson did not give a penalty, and the VAR did not recommend an on-field review. The Athletic, however, reports that the refereeing body denies apologising to the Premier League giants.

Speaking to reporters, Maresca said: "Two or three games ago I remember they didn’t whistle for a penalty and then we got a mail apologising, that it should have been a penalty. But we don’t need apologies."

Chelsea stars like Neto and Marc Cucurella have been criticised for their on-field behaviour but Maresca felt that the players should not be embarrassed by their actions. He added: "No, not at all. The other day for me against Bournemouth it was a red card. We are not going to change a thing. So the club, us, we are not embarrassed about this. Someone has to be embarrassed about this kind of thing but not us. I love my players, all of them."

The west London side will be back in action on Monday as they host Wolves in a Premier League encounter. They will hope there are no more refereeing errors as they go in search of a first victory in six league games.