Tony Bellew furiously called out referee Andy Madley for cheating as Everton were held to a 2-2 draw by Man United on Saturday.
David Moyes’s side had raced into a two-goal lead in the first half, with great thanks to the in-form Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure, but it was the Red Devils who could have won all three points on 22 February.
Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte both fired past Jordan Pickford in the final 20 minutes, setting up a crazy finish to the match, especially with Ashley Young winning a last-gasp penalty.
At least, the Toffees thought they had the perfect chance to win all three points when the 34-year-old was brought down in the box by a combination of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt.
Following a VAR review, the decision was overturned, sparking fury and controversy at Goodison Park, and the referee has now been accused of “robbing” the home side.
Ashley Young’s penalty decision overturned by Andy Madley
The controversial incident has sparked debate amongst fans, the media and pundits alike, but Bellew is absolutely sure that the wrong decision was made.
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Taking to X [22 February], he wrote: “Typical at Goodison! The referee knows what he’s seen in real time and then the powers that be tell him to change his mind, and what does he do?
“He disgracefully robs us of a penalty that he gave! He was at it all day!! Couldn’t do enough for them… #Cheats.”
Typical at Goodison!! Referee knows what he’s seen in real time and then the powers that be tell him to change his mind and what does he do?? He disgracefully robs us of a penalty that he gave! He was at it all day!! Couldn’t do enough for them.. #Cheats
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) February 22, 2025
David Moyes to be happy with a single point from Everton v Man United
While the Toffees would have loved to win all three points with a last-minute penalty in front of their home crowd, many would have taken a point before kick-off.
Looking only at the stats from the game, it seemed far more even than many may have thought.
| Everton | Man United |
| 38% possession | 62% possession |
| 1.85 xG (Expected goals) | 0.41 xG (Expected goals) |
| 4 big chances | 1 big chance |
| 12 fouls committed | 9 fouls committed |
| 7 corners | 8 corners |
Moyes’ side have still only lost one league match since Sean Dyche’s departure, seeing the team rise to 13th in the Premier League table before Crystal Palace kicked off against Fulham.
Even with Everton’s injury blows to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja, the Blues have shown no signs of slowing down in the final third, and Everton not selling Beto looks to be a better decision with each passing game.
VAR officials are quickly becoming controversial figures, with Everton already having a strained relationship with the Premier League, and this will do absolutely nothing to help that.
