James Tarkowski had thought he had doubled Everton's lead at Goodison Park against Wolverhampton Wanderers
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04: James Tarkowski of Everton scores a goal with a header, which is later disallowed following an offside decision following a VAR Review, during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Goodison Park on December 04, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
James Tarkowski heads home for Everton but is goal was ruled out by VAR much to the relief of Wolves
Everton had a goal controversially disallowed after James Tarkowski appeared to have given them a two-goal lead against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The centre-back headed in a Dwight McNeil free-kick just before the 20 minute mark, with his back-post effort too powerful for Jose Sa to claw away from goal.
It led to Goodison Park erupting as the Blues looked set to take the sting out of a nervy occasion that would leave the losing side in the bottom three of the Premier League table.
Those celebrations turned to frustration when it was announced VAR were checking the goal for a potential offside. Frustration then turned to anger as a chorus of boos greeted the sight of referee Michael Salisbury heading over to the pitch-side monitor.
READ MORE: Everton manager 'list' highlights Friedkin takeover dilemma after Sean Dyche admissionREAD MORE: Sean Dyche insists he's still trying to give Everton supporters season they want after budget cut
Tarkowski was onside but Orel Mangala was clearly offside, with Salisbury tasked with judging whether the on-loan midfielder interfered with the efforts by Wolves to deal with the cross.
Salisbury ruled in favour of the visitors - a decision that was met with calls of “Premier League, corrupt as f***” from the home stands.
The Premier League later explained: “Tarkowski’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked that Mangala was in an offside position and interfered with an opponent and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and the goal was disallowed.”
Everton have since made it 2-0 thanks to Mangala. An Ashley Young free-kick broke the deadlock.