Enzo Maresca slams 'clear' handball before Brighton goal as Chelsea knocked out of FA Cup

Chelsea lost 2-1 to Brighton, as goals from Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma cancelled out Bart Verbruggen's early own goal. However, questions have been raised over the legality of the Seagulls' winner in the 57th minute, as Tariq Lamptey looked to handle the ball after his shot was blocked and ricocheted off his hand in the build-up to Mitoma's winner. Maresca has now opened up about the match and criticised the lack of a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Maresca said: "We controlled much better the first half. In the second half the only shots they had we conceded a goal from. I think the handball [before Brighton's second goal] is quite clear. In the last two or three days there were many different moments in different games. Without VAR it's complicated."

The FA Cup does not have VAR until the start of the fifth round due to a lack of necessary technology at smaller stadiums and the need for extra officials at every match. Maresca's words about the VAR absence affecting other matches come after Manchester United's 93rd-minute winner against Leicester City was not flagged offside despite Harry Maguire seemingly being behind the defensive line.

Maresca added that Chelsea can now focus on the Premier League and the Europa Conference League after being knocked out of the FA Cup. He also discussed the Blues' Premier League clash against Brighton on Friday, February 14.

The Italian said: "We tried to come here and play our football; we always aim to win matches, but at the same time, we must accept the consequences of the result. At 2-1, we had a few chances, but now we can focus on the Premier League and the Conference League. I don’t think this loss will affect our next match against Brighton on Friday in the Premier League—I’m sure it will be a completely different game with a different level of competition."