Eberechi Eze looked as though he said his goodbyes to the Crystal Palace fans at Stamford Bridge after being denied what might have been the perfect farewell by a little-known rule.

The FIFA Club World Cup winners began their Premier League campaign with an uninspiring goalless draw at an expectant Stamford Bridge

Report and free match highlights from the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge; Eberechi Eze has goal ruled out after VAR check for wall infringement by Palace captain Marc Guehi;

Eberechi Eze saw a stunning free-kick controversially ruled out as Crystal Palace drew 0-0 at Stamford Bridge to open the Premier League season. Chelsea came into the tie off the back of a brief but encouraging pre-season campaign, where they beat both Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan, but could not carry that form into competitive play.

By the end of the 0-0 draw at home to Crystal Palace, Chelsea fans had no doubts about the differences between playing in a summer tournament and the rigors of the Premier League.

Follow all the action as it happens from Stamford Bridge as the Blues kick off the new season. Match ends, Chelsea 0, Crystal Palace 0. Second Half ends, Chelsea 0, Crystal Palace 0.

SportsLine's Martin Green reveals his Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea picks for the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on Sunday

Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards lamented a VAR review that saw Eberechi Eze's free kick goal disallowed in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Chelsea.