Everton were awarded a last minute penalty against Manchester United after Ashley Young was brought down in the box with the game tied at 2-2, but then VAR took it away
The Premier League have released a statement on why Manchester United dodged a late penalty scare in their 2-2 draw against Everton.
Referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot after Ashley Young hit the deck, deciding that Harry Maguire and Matthis de Ligt teamed up to take him down, in yet more calamitous United defending. However, VAR stepped in, nudged Madley to look at the monitor, and the decision was overturned – no pen.
The Premier League has now released a statement on the controversial decision that denied Everton the chance to win the game 3-2. It read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with an indirect free-kick.”
Post-match, Young was seen in a heated conversation with the referee, while the Goodison crowd let loose with jeers at the officials. Bruno Fernandes threw his two cents in on TNT Sport, certain there was no penalty: “No, no. The referee said the angle was very close from the body so it’s nothing to do with that.”
Even ex-United ace Rio Ferdinand got his feathers ruffled over the no-call, as he said: “I was feeling the worst when VAR got involved. I was surprised it wasn’t given. The contact is there. When you put your hands on someone you give the referee a decision.”
And it wasn’t the only VAR drama – Beto’s first goal for the match hung in suspense during a dragged-out four-minute review before getting the green light.
An explanation was released: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – as there was no offside offence committed by either Lindstrøm or Beto.”
The match ultimately ended 2-2 following a thrilling encounter. Everton had taken a comfortable lead through Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure, but Bruno Fernandes scored a superb free-kick to pull one back for United.
Manuel Ugarte then equalised for the Red Devils, securing a draw. Manchester United return to action on Wednesday against relegation-threatened Ipswich, while Everton face Brentford.
Ruben Amorim’s team are 15th in the Premier League standings, 13 points clear of the drop zone, with Everton one point ahead in 12th position.