Premier League issue statement after Newcastle United & Everton controversy as Alan Shearer has his say
Newcastle United and Everton played out a goalless draw at Goodison Park - but the game wasn’t without its controversy.
The first half saw two major VAR, the first coming after 18 minutes when Abdoulaye Doucoure thought he’d headed Everton in front only for an offside check to rule out the goal.
Explaining the decision, the Premier League issued a message via its Match Centre account on X. “18’ VAR OVERTURN: Doucouré’s goal was awarded on-field. The VAR checked for a potential offside against Doucouré and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”
Just after the hour mark, play was halted as VAR checked for a foul on Sandro Tonali by James Tarkowski. Referee Craig Pawson was instructed to go over to the pitchside monitor and he pointed to the spot. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer agreed.
Explaining that decision, the Premier League Match Centre stated: “31’ VAR OVERTURN: The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge by Tarkowski on Tonali is checked by VAR, who recommended an on-field review deeming that this was a non-footballing action. The referee then awarded a penalty to Newcastle United.”
Anthony Gordon stepped up against his former club and England teammate Jordan Pickford, with the latter coming out on top.
In the second-half, Everton had a penalty shout of their own turned down when Dominic Calvert Lewin went to ground under a challenge from Dan Burn. VAR reviewed the tackle but stuck with Pawson’s original decision - no penalty.
The Premier League match centre posted: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge between Calvert-Lewin and Burn is checked and confirmed by VAR - deeming that Calvert-Lewin kicked the back of Burn’s leg.”
The game ended 0-0, much to Newcastle’s frustration, who missed several opportunities to score.