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‘Best solution is…’ – Man Utd and Everton handed ex-ref verdict as VAR penalty drama dissected
Ben McKenna
3 – 4 minutes
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Everton were denied a late penalty against Manchester United at Goodison Park on Saturday
In stoppage time, Ashley Young went down in the penalty area and referee Andy Madley pointed to the penalty spot for what appeared to be a foul from Harry Maguire. However, VAR got involved and recommended an on-field review with Madley overturning his decision after taking a second look.
“I thought Ashley Young’s jersey is undoubtedly pulled. I thought the on-field decision was correct and I was surprised that the referee was sent to VAR. It went against us today, we won’t complain too much about it. That decision went against us,” said Everton boss David Moyes.
Commenting on the incident, Amorim said: “I think it’s a soft touch, it was not from what I saw. I think it was a soft penalty it was clear. If you start the game without the first-half, it was a good point, but we needed the three points.”
Dermot Gallagher verdict
Former referee Dermot Gallagher looked over on the incident on Sky Sports and believes VAR was wrong to get involved. Discussing the incident, the former official pointed to a potential offence from Matthijs de Ligt that he felt was not sufficiently reviewed.
He said: “For me, best solution is stick with the referee and VAR not to get involved. Once VAR got involved it raised a number of issues that didn’t really need raising. I think the ref gave the penalty against Maguire. I don’t think Maguire has fouled him but De Ligt has got hold of his shirt for long enough to give the penalty.
“The ref has said to VAR, I’ve given a penalty because I think Maguire has pulled his shirt. The VAR has looked and said no.
“If he sees an offence he thinks is a penalty he can give a penalty. Most penalties given that the ref doesn’t see on the field are what a VAR spots that the ref doesn’t – surely this falls into the same bracket. They got so bogged down in looking at the Maguire one, De Ligt got washed away.”
Ferdinand surprised by decision
Speaking immediately after the game on Saturday, ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand admitted he believed the penalty was going to be awarded. He said on TNT Sports: “I saw VAR getting involved and the referee go over to the monitor and I was surprised it wasn’t given to be honest.
“He had his arms around Ashley Young’s waist did Harry Maguire. And when you put your hands on people, you give the referee a chance to make a decision.”
Up next for United is a Premier League clash with Ipswich Town at Old Trafford before they take on Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon – that game is also at Old Trafford.
