Premier League referee explains decision which angered VAR Man Utd stars against Everton

Manchester United triumphed over Everton but the meeting at Goodison Park featured off-the-pitch and on-the-pitch controversy.

Dermot Gallagher, a former Premier League referee, has offered his assessment on why Ashley Young, an Everton defender, was not sent off following VAR’s review of a contentious diving call on Sunday afternoon.

The Toffees player seemed to dangle a leg out in the penalty box shortly after halftime, with Red Devils forward Anthony Martial tripping over the leg. Referee John Brooks initially booked a puzzled Martial for simulation and indicated a free kick in Everton’s favour.

The decision was inevitably sent to Stockley Park, where Brooks was sent to the monitor and VAR chose to reverse the on-field ruling. Gallagher commented on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch: “When I initially saw it, I assumed it was a penalty. It is challenging to argue that there was no foul since he planted his leg and dangled it, failing to catch the ball. I simply don’t think there is much else you can do when you see that save impose a penalty.

“I think Martial is quite happy to go after the ball, but the leg is planted. If you dangle at leg like that, you run the risk.

Once the decision had been made, opening goalscorer Alejandro Garnacho appeared to lead protestations that if the incident was a foul, Young should be booked. The defender had already been shown a yellow card in the match and a second booking would have been a red.

Gallagher reasoned: “The referee obviously thought it was careless. It possibly is a second yellow card, but I would not say it is guaranteed and the one thing I would say is to go from a dive for one player to a red card to another is quite a spectrum to travel. I just wonder, has the referee made that much of an error?”

Marcus Rashford went on to score from the spot and make it 2-0, before Erik ten Hag’s side went on to bag a third through Martial and put the game to bed. Speaking after the match, Everton boss Sean Dyche said: “It’s bizarre, we all know what’s going to happen.
“What’s on screen is a joke. While everyone is talking about accelerating the game, we all know what will happen when they see the screen. Whether the choices were wise or not, accept them and go on. What makes them stand there and stare? So far, I haven’t witnessed a referee reverse one. He only listens while providing the information that has been given to him. I sympathise with the fans. This year, VAR has been inconsistent. Even though it’s the simplest thing, chaos always appears to be around it.”

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