In a dramatic turn of events during Everton’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United, the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has weighed in on a controversial penalty decision.
The incident, which took place in the dying moments of the match at Goodison Park, left Toffees fans enraged and demanding answers.
Late Drama as Everton’s Penalty Is Reversed by VAR
With just minutes left in the game, Everton appeared to have been awarded a penalty after former United player Ashley Young was brought down inside the box.
Referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot in the 93rd minute, sparking wild celebrations from Everton supporters who thought they were on the verge of snatching a late victory.
The challenge, involving Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Matthijs De Ligt, sent Young crashing to the ground, but what followed would leave fans stunned.
However, VAR official Matthew Donohue intervened, advising the referee to review his initial decision on the pitch.
After consulting the monitor, Madley reversed the penalty call, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw, leaving many to question the fairness of the decision.
KMI Panel Supports VAR Intervention Despite Controversy
David Moyes, Everton’s manager, was furious with the reversal, but the KMI Panel has since confirmed that the VAR intervention was the right call.
The panel unanimously concluded that referee Madley made an error by awarding the penalty for a foul by Maguire on Young.
Upon further review, it became evident that De Ligt, not Maguire, was the one who obstructed Young’s movement and caused the fall.
The KMI Panel voted 5-0 that the original penalty decision was incorrect and 4-1 in favor of VAR stepping in to correct it.
An additional note from the panel highlighted that the contact from the defenders didn’t match the exaggerated fall from Young, which further justified the decision.
Debate Over Whether VAR Should Have Been Involved
While the panel stood behind VAR’s intervention, not all members agreed on the process.
One panelist argued that Madley should not have been sent to the monitor, as the incident was not a “clear and obvious error.”
The referee was only shown angles focusing on Maguire, which didn’t reveal the full picture of the incident.
Crucially, Madley was not shown the goal-mouth camera angle, which could have provided more context.
The panel itself is composed of five members, including three former players or coaches, along with one representative each from the Premier League and PGMOL.
The panel was established in the 2022-23 season to provide an independent evaluation of match incidents rather than relying solely on PGMOL or club perspectives.
Moyes Expresses Disbelief at Decision to Overturn Penalty
After the match, a visibly frustrated David Moyes insisted that the original penalty decision was the right one.
He argued that De Ligt’s shirt pull on Young was clear and that the referee had made the correct call at the time.
Moyes suggested that the intervention from VAR was unnecessary, stating, “If it’s absolutely clear and obvious, that’s what we’ve got VAR for, but I didn’t think it needed to get involved.”
The controversy surrounding the penalty decision highlights ongoing debates over the use of VAR and its impact on match outcomes.
Despite the KMI Panel’s ruling, many fans and analysts will continue to question whether the technology is being used correctly in key moments.