The Premier League has officially explained why Everton was denied a late penalty in their 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Saturday. The decision, which came after a VAR intervention, sparked outrage among Everton fans and reignited the debate over the consistency of officiating in the league.

In the dying moments of the game, referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot after Ashley Young was seemingly brought down in the box by Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt.

However, the VAR officials recommended an on-field review, and upon watching the replays, Madley overturned his initial decision, leading to a restart with a drop ball.

Premier League’s Explanation

Following the controversy, the Premier League released a statement, clarifying that:

"VAR checked the referee’s call of a penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed, recommending an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision, and play restarted with a drop ball."

Fan Reactions and VAR Drama

Everton fans expressed their frustration, booing Madley at full-time, while Ashley Young was seen in deep conversation with the referee after the match.

The penalty incident wasn’t the only VAR controversy in the game. Everton’s opening goal by Beto was subject to a four-minute review, further delaying the match and fueling criticism of VAR’s impact on football’s flow.

Opinion: Is VAR Helping or Hurting the Game?

While VAR was introduced to improve accuracy in decision-making, incidents like this raise questions about subjectivity and inconsistency in officiating. Fans are left wondering:

• Why are some similar incidents given as penalties, while others are overturned?

• Is VAR being used correctly, or does it need a major overhaul?

The debate continues, but one thing is clear—controversial VAR calls are becoming a defining feature of modern football.

What’s your take? Was Everton robbed, or was it the right call? ⚽🔥👇