VAR adds insult to cruelty as spirited Blues fall to City

It's nothing new to us anyway, we've been robbed by referees for years, some of the worst culprits in recent years Martin Twatkinson and Mark Clattenburg in the 2007 Merseyside derby (at least Clattenburg was big enough to admit his mistakes).

Yesterday was a defeat but it already feels different under Lampard, doesn't it? There's more hunger, more drive, more pressing; kudos to him for already getting these players to run harder.

Hopefully the tide will turn because he doesn't deserve relegation with Everton, a mess that was already 90% made before his arrival last month.

So the offside unfortunately has to take precedence and hence City were given an indirect free-kick.

The only way VAR will get better and inconsistencies ironed out is having total transparency in real time of the decision-making process. Officials have to be accountable of their decision-making like in Rugby or Cricket. Only then will they be motivated (or forced) to improve.

Until that happens, VAR is fertile ground for corruption to flourish.

Onto the game, the lads deserved a draw for their effort and desire to work throughout. First half we were comfortable, Kenny, Richarlison should have finished better. The midfield with Doucouré, Allan and Van de Beek looked far better and it is a very promising combination. It has tenacity and quality. The continued fitness of these three is central to our security. More of this midfield energy and organisation and we will be fine.

Sadly Kenny has never scored and probably won't with his left foot ever.

Whilst Richarlison never seems composed enough these days in front of goal, I'm struggling to work out why he seemed to be a better finisher in his first two seasons than he has been in this last 18 months?

Anyway, we need a striker in the summer, relying on Calvert-Lewin when he's hardly fit now and likely to be off is naive at best.

Nothing is ever 100%, but VAR should push the needle closer to 90% than perhaps the 70% we experienced with unaided human decisions made in the split second.

Used properly by officials who actually understand the game and a Top 4 fan group, VAR should even things out. Funny how it tends to get used correctly in games not involving the Top 4.

Sorry. Still a bit raw over that. The most blatant penalty since Carragher wrestled Lescott to the ground and claimed innocence.

Match officials explained to Lampard that Richarlison was not offside in the build-up.

@3.20 the pass has been made and the ball on it's way Richarlison is clearly the right side of the last City defender therefore not offside. It took 5 seconds to see this irrefutable evidence. Very poor officiating.

Lampard was told by the referee there was no offside leading up to the handball incident.

After witnessing the disgraceful no penalty decision yesterday and hearing the media support the penalty call and lack of cohesive Referee and VAR co-operation, I then watch the boxing and witness another party robbed of justice. Yet again, all knowledgeable witnesses to the folly are "gobsmacked" by a decision.

Who holds these corrupt and bumbling officials to book?

Just fed up with being taken for a sucker.

Everton were back to their Brentford & Leeds performance. All the players played well. Iowbi improved in ball retention and Van de Beek gained composure. Allan played De Bruyne off the pitch. Everton are better against a Top 6 side where individual players are not targeted.

The only failing was the error-prone Keane, who had played well up to that point, and Lampard fai!ing to make the necessary substitutions early enough, which he did do eventually, in the second half. This allowed Man City to keep pushing their defensive line up to midfield in support of the attack. Everton, like Tottenham, had the players to take advantage of this and push them back.

Everton need some luck and I wish them luck in the run-in.

A shocking VAR decision. Looked a penalty in real time and on replays.

The club should approach the head of the Referee's Association and put their case. The Referee and Video Assistant Referee should be punished by being downgraded and consideration should be given to this issue by the FA, enabling them to issue a point to Everton or hard-done-by clubs in a similar position, or at least re-run the taking of a penalty.

Need to get right into the faces of referees in the run-in, the whole team needs to participate. Lampard knows how it works.

The technology is fine.

However, as was said by everyone watching with me in the pub, where I was the only Blue, plus everyone who saw the replay except for Stevie Wonder in the VAR control room, it was a clear penalty.

Incompetence does not answer this because from every angle it looked like handball. The official should have instructed the ref to look again. Particularly if he had said that he hadn't given the penalty because he couldn't see it.

There is no point in having VAR if it is used so incompetently (the kind version) or corruptly.

1) The rules are nonsense. They've not awarded that penalty on a technicality. They've used the "clear and obvious error" standard to avoid overruling the referee... so that's more important than awarding an obvious penalty? Basically for any touch above the wrist, the rule is that if the ref calls it, it's given, if they don't then it won't be. Why bother then?

2) They don't even follow their own rules consistently! We've had decisions against us that were nothing like clear and obvious errors. Sometimes the VAR re-refs the game and picks up on the tiniest of touches, other times they'd require an all-out assault before they'd overrule the ref's on-pitch call.

3) It promotes the wrong behaviour. The VAR gives referees a 'Get out of jail free' card. If a decision is a hot one, they don't need to make it anymore. The VAR will bail them out. Except the rules don't always allow it and they can't even apply them consistently.

None of this is new. It's been an issue since its introduction. All yesterday did was provide a great example of just how flawed the approach to VAR is.

The video technology gives them the view that most non-match going fans see, so should be an advantage to correct decision making.

So, for me, it's a combination of stupid rules (the offside shoelace / thread hanging off the sleeve one) and the officials' ability to interpret a scenario. Or should I say fear of making a decision that goes against the grain?

VAR was supposed to correct the glaring mistakes that Premier League refs were making on a regular basis, but it seems it has made the situation worse.

I accept that the ref could have not seen the incident clearly, but that's not an excuse that the VAR official can claim. Also, why isn't there any discussion between the ref and the linesman as there used to be before VAR came in?

Seems like, other than throw-ins, the linesmen have become redundant, they even seem to wait for confirmation from VAR before raising their flag for offside.

So there needs to be more pressure put onto Riley and his incompetent band of officials, to have to display on screen what they are looking at and for refs to be miked up so we can hear how they come to their decisions.

I am sure if fans' reaction could stop clubs joining the proposed European Super League, then getting these changes to how VAR is used should be easy.

Richarlison wasn't offside as there was a City defender's foot playing him on. Offside was given because it was the easy, and cowards way out from awarding a stonewall penalty against one of the so-called Big 6 clubs.

Good to see a performance on the front foot in the first half; if we can play like that away, we will be okay. Pity the decision to punt Benitez was not made earlier so we could have given Lampard the full January window instead of 24 hours.

Disgusted with not getting the penalty, a blatant handball.

The technology is absolutely fine, the corruption comes from the officials who make these bent decisions.

Somebody has already mentioned the boxing decision that was made against Jack Catterall last night, another corrupt/bent outcome.

The integrity of our major sports in this country has disappeared.

The technical term for this is utter bollocks.

When those in authority are in fear of finding against those dominant teams, as they fear being pushed out of the 'club' – it is clear that it's corrupt.

I am not saying backhanders are being made, as I doubt that is happening. However, officials fear making major decisions against the elite, as the consequence is they'll be ostracized out of the 'club'.

Everton are a soft touch. They're the perfect size for the authorities to find against them, but also not big enough to cause a problem.

To date, Niasse has been the only player to ever receive a ban for diving. No other player it appears has ever dived since...

Yesterday, it was clear that the penalty decision would go against us. We know if that had been the other way, the penalty would have gone the other way via VAR. VAR is therefore only a benefit for the strongest teams.

It's hard enough playing against world class players propped up by an entire oil state. An oil state that fudged Financial Fair Play, to get into such a position. Yesterday was a 12 vs 11 game.

This wasn't about one decision. It was pretty much the way he refereed it all game. Allan and Van der Beek put on early bookings, Laporte and Diaz getting away with numerous fouls in areas of the pitch to snuff out any danger – no action whatsoever.

I don't know why I ever objected to a breakaway European Super League. At least you might get straight football in any remaining local league...

I disagree with your comment "The only failing was the error-prone Keane."

I sit in the Park End stand and didn't see the defection off Holgate until I watched Match of the Day. It appears that a scapegoat is inevitable in any Everton defeat and this week you've chosen Keane.

It's my opinion that he had moved into a good position to deal with the cross, but the deflection forced him into trying to clear the danger. If you have played the game, I'm sure that you will appreciate that it's nigh on impossible to deal with this kind of situation, the weight of your body is taking you away from the direction of the ball, and if Keane had made no effort to clear the danger it's quite likely that he would have suffered the wrath of the crowd.

Hi Danny [various posts],

Unlike yourself, I have a hatred of VAR. I believe that it's having a negative effect on the game. Okay, so I'm Old School, but I find that the thrill of a goal can be tempered by having to wait for the confirmation of it [or not] can take away a percentage of the enjoyment.

In my world, football is played by humans, officiated by humans, and watched by humans. I know that today's game has progressed in some ways, but I don't include VAR in that category. I know that I will be ridiculed in some quarters for my views but there you are, I'm an old stick-in-the-mud.

The problem has been the implementation. It's still generating inconsistent decisions as much as the officials used to without it.

The problem remains as it always has done: the officials.

If your view that "The problem remains as it always has done, the officials" is correct, then I prefer the mistakes to be made by the on-field officials, where we can enjoy [or otherwise] their decisions, and live the moments without the threat of outside interference.

Firstly, to echo what the others have said about the team effort; it was very commendable (even if I did single out a player yesterday, I feel I was justified) and very nearly it garnered us with an unexpected point.

Every player should feel pleased, with varying degrees, for their performance. Keane should not be pelted for the goal, as John [29] said, he was already committed to move forward to intercept the ball before the Holgate (no blame) deflection. By the way, I thought the ball hit Seamus' heel on the way thru too didn't it? The goal was just unfortunate.

Re the question of VAR, the technology is there to enhance the game, yet through (un)conscious bias, inconsistency, lack of fibre, or via 'instruction', it is currently not fit for purpose.

The best analogy I can come up with is with a firearm. It is a perfect tool to do a job, however, the results of that job depends on who uses and how the firearm is used, and who the target(s) are.

Lastly, a valid question to be asked of the PGMOL, is a very simple addition to the use of VAR, which is thus;

If, a referee states that he didn't, or couldn't see the incident (clearly or otherwise), then instead of the VAR making a decision away from the atmosphere and being out of the 'spirit' of the match; the VAR will always direct the referee to the pitch-side monitor FIRST. This is before any decision is made. Then, along side an audible stream of the discussion to the crowd and TV audience between the ref and VAR, a decision can be made.

Surely, that would iron out at least some of these nonsensical decisions?

PS Ian [27] first line, All major sport is bent. Period. AMEN brother!

In my opinion I agree, whether it is physical or financial doping, spot fixing, performing to instruction or purely for financial gain.

It goes back as far as the 1919 Blacksox scandal, to boxing, cycling, football, rugby, tennis, athletics, still baseball (2019), horse racing etc etc etc

Again where there's muck there's brass, and sports been mucky for a long, long time.

He looks a Premier League player to me – and will presumably find a Premier League club to sign for when his contract expires in summer.

Also, long term, we may have a star, but the Patterson signing looks a very weird move at the moment.

I suppose you could also say the same thing about Mykolenko, El Ghazi and Dele Alli.

Of the 5 January signings, only Van de Beek has contributed.

Hopefully Thelwell gets a grip of our bizarre approach to recruitment and player development.

We did well against a very well-oiled machine yesterday. Stop the crap displays and we'll get the points we need... won't we?

Can you imagine on the public address a chorus of, "Oooohh, you've given that against them!?!" followed by, "There'll be no bottle of red or hot water when you're next up there". But I suppose it may explain how a lot of these decisions are reached.

Scrap my idea at [32], it is even simpler.

Anytime that VAR is involved in the game, it must be mandated that the referee is to attend the pitch-side monitor.

Simples hopefully...

Alan [35] Unfortunately, I have to agree, we won't be getting VAR audible streams anytime soon I think?

Does anyone know of a mechanism for a united supporters fanbase, or coalition of supporters clubs to pressure the FA, EPL, and PGMOL to revise the VAR rules?

Kenny kept his position while still doing runs up and down the field. Foden went on the other wing before the first half had finished, he ran across the field to the right back position and stopped a good breakaway by City. He might have done better with the chance he had with a bit more composure, the same lack of composure that Richarlison and Gordon showed with their chances.

I think he has done okay in the games I have seen (I missed the Southampton game) and hope he continues to be selected. Maybe he will earn himself a new contract?

I'll temper my enthusiasm as I've previously seen him really struggle with ball retention and decision making. We'll see in time whether yesterday was a sign that he simply needed a manager to have confidence in him, or whether it's a deviation from the norm.

I should warn you, you don't get them decisions no more now you're not with one of the big boys.

In fact, you'll get Fahk-all, son!

Oh, and did Mr Thelwell put a Sunday in, with Bill, drafting a letter to the Premier League stating our disgust with the match officials and demanding that steps are taken both to change the way VAR operates and disciplinary action against the officials concerned? Probably still awaiting the arrival of a homing pigeon from Monaco.

But I'll play Devil's advocate. I didn't think he was good enough for where I wanted Everton to be a year or two ago. So maybe now he's standing out because of the standard we've dropped to?? Or that he's been given his chance as you say?? Both questions, not statements.

It's going to take a few windows and seasons to climb out of this but despite the current league position, I feel positive about the way the club is structuring itself; just the board room to go now as I feel a lot of other things are in place if the owner can release the shackles of the past and get the right people in a C-Level.

Until then, I'll enjoy watching Jonjoe Kenny living the dream we all wanted to. He put in yet another good performance on his wrong side on Saturday. I feel he would play in goal for Everton if asked to.

You question the standard of opposition like Man City and others in what many think is the most difficult League but say he has improved or others around him, being so poor, make him look a lot better? I'd probably have agreed more if you had said he now has to keep improving and show a consistency over a longer period.

The alternatives may be that he would be a good squad player who now looks like he could cover both full back positions or would be worthy of a good transfer fee. It is a decision for Frank and his coaching staff and even the new DoF but Kenny is now in a position that he can sign a pre-contract agreement with another club which unarguably would be Everton's loss.

Not questioning the standard of the opposition Alan; I think City speak for themselves – probably the best footballing team in Europe. Just an opinion on Jonjoe having watched him for several years.

Like I say, they are both questions. Is he better than we thought having now aged and gained experience? Or is he getting his chance because the competition and standard of the squad isn't what it was a few years ago?

Questions on both sides of the debate.

I'm a Kenny fan, so don't let that distract from my honest opinion of him. Regardless of the circumstances, I hope he can take the opportunity presented to him with all his Everton heart.

Whatever, I don't think Everton would be amiss in offering another contract, obviously not a 5-year £50k a week job which is easily put in place if it is considered appropriate.

I still suspect that Barkley wasn't coached correctly from a young age and just allowed to do his thing because he was bigger and quicker. So his flaws weren't ironed out. The phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" springs to mind.

Kenny is worth his place in this current Everton squad.

The standard I want Everton to be? That's the debate. But right now, he's good enough for this squad.

Just a word to for Michael Keane, he too has to play on left-hand side when playing with Godfrey or Holgate. During Moyes's time with the club, he always tried to play right- and left-footed centre-backs as a pair. Maybe young Branthwaite will get a run out on Thursday?

Having said that, I'm glad we've held onto him all these years. He's done his best to cover at left-back and will no doubt be a staple of the side next season if we go down.

I always believe that it's difficult to assess a player without considering the set-up in which they're playing. They can look crap in one set-up, but great in another. This is why brilliantly performing players who are transferred to ‘bigger' clubs so often fail to meet the expectations that they've set, and why apparently ordinary players at one club become outstanding players at another.

The whole, the system, is always more than the simplistic sum of its parts.

He seems to turn in, anticipating a ball going across the goal and is off-balance to recover. Sometimes he turns in that much, his positioning is way off.

Both Ancelotti and Benitez had him play on the left and would play Godfrey to cover Coleman and his reduced pace. I always thought this was in response to a Keane error on his right. Frank has not that option at the moment.

As for Kenny, he is working very hard. He did get caught out once in the first half when a Man City player did get in behind him. But he looks solid.

Coleman is playing okay, though age is against him playing week-in & week-out.

The Premier League wet-rag response was disgustingly two-faced. They should be ashamed. The game should be replayed but, of course, there is no chance of this happening. Premier League - shame on you, shame on you, shame on you.

If Everton goes down by one point, I'd love to see the shitheads in charge of Premier League refereeing to be sued big time... but of course this will not happen.

Just to finish, heart goes out to Mykolenko and his fellow countrymen with the invasion by Russia. Bullet between the eyes for Putin is the only solution. Okay, I expect to be censored on this. 😡

Normally, if any recent previous managers had lost back-to-back games, the fans would be asking serious questions over whether he is the right man to get us out of the mess.

But we have all seen the improvements he and his coaches have made in such a short space of time, and he is making fundamental changes to the way we play which is not easily achieved in such a short period of time. He is implementing these changes when he and the players are under pressure just to get results – never mind how you get them.

And while it's true it's no use changing the style if it doesn't produce results. I am convinced that, if we are to improve as a club the way Lampard and his coaches want us to play has to be implemented, however painful in the short term.

He is also trying to implement these changes without last season's top goalscorer or without possibly our best defender; Saturday was the first time he could select Doucoure and play with a 3-man midfield.

I, like many, have seen top top players like Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore fail in management, and to a lesser extent Roy Keane, but I think Lampard will be a top manager.

He came here knowing the predicament we are in. Unlike his predecessor, who wanted to pick fights with players and staff, he has got the backing of players and coaches and – just as importantly – the fans.

Goodison is once again a joy to be inside amongst a fully committed fanbase that knows better days are ahead; just hold your nerve and keep the belief which I believe will see us stay clear of relegation come the end of the season.

In the past few seasons, we've won some tedious games, where us supporters have been grateful for the 3 points but not pleased with the performance, with little or no light at the end of the tunnel.

In contrast, against City, we came away with nothing, but the circumstances and the way we're playing under Lampard give us light at the end of the tunnel that there might finally be a culture change at Everton.

Primarily, our football will be more dynamic and on the front foot, and secondarily, we'll no longer be shat upon by officials in the way we have been in the past.

Overall, a winning mentality as opposed to the lethargy that's characterised Everton.

Every minor decision, they are all there. The elbow by Keita on I think it was Mount. The lunge by Keita on Kante's groin. Both yellow cards and therefore a sending off. Yet following both challenges the shite are surrounding the referee like they were trying to say it was the Chelsea players who instigated their own injury.

We've got to start being ruthless, and if that means starting on Thursday against Boreham Wood, then so be it. Get right into the referee's ears. Lampard will know all about this, as John Terry at Chelsea was a genius at it, refereeing the game from the kick-off.

We need to start throwing a few early challenges in, let the opposition know who's boss. Nothing too cynical that will result in a card, but the “sly” challenges, leaving a foot in or a little knee into the back of a forward. Stuff we were told to do on a Sunday morning.

Fuck the Premier League and fuck the officials. They are all as corrupt as fuck!!

On and off the pitch.

Rob 58, Couldn't agree more, we have been far too passive for years and it is a breath of fresh air to see some passionate and vociferous reasoning being directed at the referee. The more of it the better.

These passionate responses to perceived injustices on the pitch also get the players fired up and the crowd too. That fervor can eventually sway 50/50 decisions or future actions of the ref. during games. At home matches we need to double up on this and let no dubious decision pass without getting right into the referee's face about it.

Seamus and Jagielka, the Everton Way? no more. Great servants but no leaders by any stretch. We have winners on board. Next stop: the boardroom... then watch us go.

I don't believe there is a bias because an official supports a particular team or comes from a particular place; it's mostly the gaze of the pundits and TV companies that frightens them into making so many unbelievable mistaken calls.

Mike Riley is to blame for having the officials acting like unthinking robots because it was he who decided to pre-judge certain matches and certain players due to what had happened in previous encounters.

It might not prove that officials or the actual game is corrupt; however, if it was taken to a court of law, there is enough circumstantial evidence to suggest that at best it looks corrupt.

Of course, without such principles, it's not really a game at all, and for many, not worth watching. It descends to a purely commercial enterprise. It's for this reason of ‘appearance' that I, for example, largely stopped watching football not involving Everton, not as a decision as such, but as a natural process of disinterest. I'm sure I'm not alone in this.

Fair play these days is in the hands of the referees, VAR referees and those in charge of the referees and, a lot of the time, fair play is not seen to be done but handled in a very suspicious manner with just a few clubs benefitting from the decisions made by them. I'll let you judge who those clubs seem to be!!

I doubt very much that Everton FC are one of those clubs.

If a decision is made by an on-pitch official, the VAR team are primarily looking to reinforce his authority. This means that 50-50 decisions are never contradicted, 60-40 only rarely, and even 70-30 decisions are only occasionally changed.

This is not corruption, it is the desire of referees to look after their own and to build up their authority.

The system needs to be run by ex-players from neutral clubs.

It's not because they've spent more time in the opposition's box – if that was true that wouldn't have won just one Premier League title. It's called favouritism and it exists largely due to media bias on human influence, but it's not corruption.

It would be far better if we heard the actual discussions that went on and the referees had to explain these unbelievable decisions.

In addition, every decision is seen as right by 50% of the people watching a game and that percentage increases if the decision is made in favour of one of the Sky 6 whom television fans are likely to favour.

In effect, what John McFarlane says about human error is manifestly true and VAR is not removing human error, merely adding another level that can go wrong even with the best of intentions.

Hi Rick [71], I am totally against VAR. I believe that it's taking the thrills away from the game. If I am going to lose the joy of Everton scoring a goal, I want it to be an instant disappointment, not the two or three minutes (longer on some occasions) that it takes for someone two hundred miles away to reach the same decision.

I grew up believing that if 100,000 at Wembley saw a clear penalty, but one man didn't – he being the referee – then it didn't happen. Obviously I was bitterly disappointed but I accepted it as a part of the game, I never thought that there could be cause for suspicion unfortunately that's no longer the case.

I suppose what I'm saying is, "That with the vast amount of money in the game today, then there's more likely to be a greater chance of corruption."

I used to love it, had VHS tapes of the first 25 or so matches of the Premier League (until it started costing too much as I was only 18), took leave for every national tournament for years once I started working...

But now I just don't care; I don't even look forward to a derby anymore – sucked the life out of football, and Saturday proved it (I can't even blame the RS bias for that as it would have benefitted them).

Rick #71, I'm with you – it's like the stupid polls around best goal, best player, best dressed (notice how Alli got nothing from that when he played for Spurs, but within 3 minutes of Everton, he gets slated) – ultimately you may as well just ask who you support.

With incompetence in the likes of Tierney the technology of VAR was developed but appears now to be useless if it just sends it back to the referee who very rarely will change his decision ( or lack of a decision).

They should deep six VAR and let these useless referees watch the pitch monitor in the first place.

Shit happens and we have to live with it.

“The Premier League have now announced that there was "not clear enough evidence to show conclusively that it was handball".

I'm Dumfounded, absolutely staggering that the premier league can come up with such bullshit as this.

On Saturday, playing one of the best teams in world football, we were one piece of misfortune and one appalling piece of refereeing from gaining some tangible reward.

If the players can maintain the standards they reached against Man City, we will stop losing the majority of games and start winning a few.

John Mc @69, Good post as always from you, but I knew in 1977 at age 13 that this game was a bit bent when Thomas denied us victory in the FA Cup Semi-Final. That was sheer cheating... and again in the 1984 Milk Cup Final, again sheer cheating. 1986 World Cup Maradona handball, again bent.

Regarding Saturday's game, we were cheated. All the above all favoured the stronger teams.

Everton come back from the dead at home against Man Utd. 3-3, Everton break 4 vs 2, the ref blows up with the blues ready to score. Never do you see a game end like this.

Jack Rodwell sent off for a perfect tackle, yet Dirk Kujt cuts Naismith in half.

Lescott about to score winner in another derby. Carragher pulls his shirt off his back, nothing given.

It has been going on for years. The only difference is that VAR should be stopping this outright cowardness and cheating to come to the right decision. Sport is about fair play, not finding a way of satisfying those with the biggest resources to keep them there.

Please let Moshiri know that another communications release on this topic will be necessary.

I can live with referees/players making mistakes, and I have been ridiculed in some quarters for saying "Players are not robots that can be programmed" but the modern game is all about money and where money is involved there will always be someone who wants more than their fair share.

I'll admit that I was against the Premier League from the start and it saddens me to know that Everton were one of the so called 'Big Five' at that time. The Football League consisted of 92 clubs, now there are four separate Leagues. I suppose that I am stuck in the past and deserve the nickname of 'Johnny McFossil'

I totally agree with you when referees and players make mistakes, the games I mentioned were not mistakes – the referee knew that he was cheating and favouring one team. I will go to my grave believing that.

Even greater irony is that, had it been a pro-redneck doing the VAR, then it would have been awarded for sure.

We have become irrelevant to most of these tossers but I feel that Frank Lampard is going to put us back on the map.