The football world witnessed a dramatic turn of events as a late penalty decision sparked controversy during the Manchester United and Everton match. The incident unfolded three minutes into added time when Ashley Young fell theatrically in the United box, under pressure from Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. Referee Robert Madley initially pointed to the spot, awarding Everton a penalty.
However, the intervention of VAR official Matt Donohue changed the course of the game. Donohue sent Madley to the pitchside monitor to review the decision, focusing on whether Maguire's contact constituted a foul. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim described Maguire's touch as "soft," implying minimal impact on Young's fall.
Notably, the initial review did not mention De Ligt's shirt pull, which was a pivotal factor in Young's tumble. As Young attempted to latch onto a loose ball, De Ligt tugged at his shirt, contributing to his fall. Subsequently, Maguire placed his hand on Young, further complicating the situation.
The Premier League Match Centre later clarified on social media that VAR had scrutinized the penalty call.
"VAR checked the referee's call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with an indirect free-kick." – Premier League Match Centre
David Moyes, witnessing the unfolding drama, expressed his perspective on the incident.
"It looked to me as though the shirt pull was enough. I can only tell you what I have seen. I didn't know what you just told me." – David Moyes
Moyes also shared his thoughts on the VAR process and its impact on refereeing decisions.
"I think everybody who probably watches football wants to see a referee who says, 'no, I'll stick with what I've done'. I just didn't think what we saw was clear and obvious that he should have been sent to the screen." – David Moyes
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