Premier League viewers have claimed that Eberechi Eze’s penalty against Nottingham Forest was “illegal” and should have been disallowed during Crystal Palace’s 1–1 draw with the Tricky Trees on Monday evening. The result delivered a setback to Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in their pursuit of Champions League qualification, with Forest slipping to sixth place after a dramatic weekend of football.

Murillo’s equaliser, netted just four minutes after Palace’s main creative force had opened the scoring, was not enough for Forest to secure all three points at Selhurst Park. With Chelsea and Newcastle now occupying strong positions in the race for European football, the East Midlands club can ill afford to drop any further points in their final three fixtures—against Leicester City, West Ham, and a high-stakes final day clash with Chelsea.

However, supporters from both clubs—as well as neutral observers—were quick to question the legitimacy of Eze’s unconventional penalty technique, with many joking that it should have been disallowed purely due to how awkward it appeared. Others believe they have found credible reasons why the goal should not have stood.

Eberechi Eze’s Penalty Run-Up Mocked by Fans

Gone are the days when a penalty kick was a straightforward opportunity to score. Modern players increasingly seek to embellish their 12-yard attempts with flair and finesse. Eze, known for his elegant and flamboyant style on the pitch, pushed the boundaries with his penalty on Monday evening—bordering on the theatrical.

He escaped punishment on this occasion for his stop-start approach, but his choice to be so extravagant sparked immediate debate across social media platforms. While much of the criticism was tongue-in-cheek, some fans earnestly questioned whether the 26-year-old had breached the rules by appearing to come to a complete halt and even taking a step backwards during his run-up.

“No way that Eze penalty is legal. He takes a backward step in his run-up. Shouldn’t have counted that,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another added: “I know we all wanted that penalty, but I’m not sure how Eze is allowed to take them like that. He doesn’t just stop—he actually steps backwards too. It’s an illegal penalty, isn’t it?”

According to Premier League and IFAB (International Football Association Board) regulations, players are permitted to use a stutter or feint during their run-up. However, they must not come to a complete stop once the approach is in motion.

The final movement leading up to the kick must be fluid. Excessive deception—such as pausing just before striking the ball—is not allowed and may result in an indirect free-kick being awarded to the defending team.