Need the latest Foxes transfer news? Get FREE email alerts for Leicester City FC Sign up! Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Leicester City have called on the authorities to explain their decision not to award a penalty for handball during the club’s dramatic Carabao Cup exit to Aston Villa on Tuesday.

City are seeking clarification from the EFL and refereeing body PGMOL over the matter, amid suggestions VAR officials checked the wrong incident.

Midway through the first half at Villa Park, James Maddison’s shot was blocked inside the penalty area by the outstretched arm of Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba. Maddison then struck the rebound, with the second effort bouncing off a defender’s ribs and away for a corner.

City appealed for a penalty and the incident went to VAR, who quickly deemed no spot-kick should be awarded.

TV screens, which usually broadcast the VAR feed, showed only the second shot, which struck a Villa player on the chest. A replay of the ball hitting Nakamba’s hand was only shown after VAR had backed up on-field referee Mike Dean’s decision.

A request for an explanation was made by City in the referees report they submitted after the 2-1 defeat.

Asked if he knew whether VAR had checked the correct Maddison shot, City boss Brendan Rodgers said: “We haven’t had anything on that but when I look back on the game and the coverage, it didn’t look as if it was looked at for a long period of time, which was interesting because it was arguably the clearest handball you’ll see.

“Unless the new natural position to walk is [with your arm] up there, I can’t see why it wouldn’t have been a penalty.

“We haven’t really been given an explanation whether it was the first one or the second one but clearly that one was and should have been a penalty.

“We’ll definitely ask the question as it’s good to have clarity. Because if that wasn’t a handball then it’s nice to know why.

“We don’t really have an excuse now. If the referee didn’t quite see it in the game, that’s why VAR is there so it would be good to get that clarity and that’s something we’ll do as a club.”

That was not the only controversy, with the FA and West Midlands Police launching an investigation into the pitch invasion that immediately followed the final whistle.

Maddison was allegedly shoved to the ground during the chaotic scenes, while other City players were goaded.

Rodgers said “it wasn’t ideal” but did not relay any serious incidents.

“Nothing has been brought to me by a player or a staff member,” he said.

“Everyone will tell you it’s not ideal, players are on the pitch and it should be the safest place for them to be.

“It’s not an ideal scenario. You see now in the modern game what’s happening. You see what happened to Jack Grealish at St Andrew’s [a Birmingham fan was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison after assaulting the Villa captain].

“In that situation you want to get into the changing room as quick as you can – that’s what’s key.

“We understand the elation of any team if that does happen, however the safety is paramount for the players. But I haven’t heard of anything from anyone so I can only assume nothing took place.”