Full Breakdown
Everton's Penalty Appeal Denied in Late Corner: VAR Controversy Highlights Club's Frustration
5/5/2026, 8:29:26 PM
Core Incident: Denied Penalty in Late Corner
In the 85th minute of Everton's Premier League match, Bernardo Silva wrapped both arms around Everton defender Rohl's waist during a corner and pulled him down. James Garner delivered the corner; the ball was kicked while contact persisted, according to Everton fans. VAR official Howard reviewed the incident and ruled the foul occurred before the ball was in play, so the restart could not be a penalty. Play continued.
Background: VAR Rules and Comparable Cases
Current VAR guidelines allow disciplinary action for off-ball fouls but prohibit changing the restart if the foul precedes the ball. Similar incidents include Southampton’s Jack Stephens being sent off after a VAR review for pulling Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella’s hair when the ball was out, and Erling Haaland’s denied spot-kick after being dragged by Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin.
Data & Statistics: Everton's VAR Record This Season
Everton have secured only one VAR overturn this season—a penalty at Brighton in January 2025. No other Premier League side has fewer than two successful reviews, while Chelsea have benefited from 11 VAR interventions. Refereeing errors affecting Everton include a missed penalty against Arsenal, missed VAR interventions that could have awarded penalties to Wolves (August), Arsenal (reverse fixture at Emirates) and Chelsea (March), and a second caution for James Garner not issued against Aston Villa in January.
Official Statements & Club Response
Manager David Moyes said the outcome could encourage a “free-for-all” and that Everton may need to adjust defensive coaching. He noted the difficulty of defending when opponents can grapple on the ground without immediate penalty repercussions.
Criticism & Fan Perspective
Everton supporters argue the foul continued as the ball was kicked and that VAR should have intervened. They cite the club’s limited success in VAR reviews and perceived inconsistency across the league as evidence of bias.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The dispute centers on whether contact persisted after the ball was kicked. The referee’s decision, based on VAR’s assessment, differs from fan interpretation, which claims ongoing infringement. No further official clarification beyond the “foul before the ball” rationale is provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If that doesn't get given as a penalty, then it's an absolute free-for-all from now on,” — David Moyes, Everton manager
- “I might have to start coaching my defenders how to defend differently completely,” — David Moyes
- “It looks like now you're able to sort of grapple and wrestle on the ground if you want.” — David Moyes
- “I'm absolutely amazed.” — David Moyes
