Richard Keys Everton
Richard Keys, Everton [Credit: beIN Sports EN on YouTube]
Edward Bazeley
Wed 12 March 2025 9:25, UK
Everton were once again at the heart of VAR controversy in their recent clash against Manchester United in the Premier League.
The Toffees stormed into a two-goal lead through Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure on 22 February, but late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte saw the points split.
However, that wasn’t the main talking point that afternoon, as Everton veteran Ashley Young thought he had won a penalty in the 94th minute, only to see it somehow overturned by VAR.
Ashley Young everton
Everton defender Ashley Young [Credit: Imago]
Howard Webb called out after Everton VAR controversy
Young found himself in a tangle with Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, who illegally brought the Toffees man to ground in the view of on-field referee Andy Madley, who initially pointed to the penalty spot.
However, VAR official Matt Donohue sent Madley to the pitchside monitor to review his initial decision, and the Everton penalty was overturned, prompting a drop-ball restart despite limited replay angles.
Opponent Result
Crystal Palace (A) 1-2 W
Man United (H) 2-2 D
Brentford (A) 1-1 D
Wolves (A) 1-1 D
Everton’s recent form
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The Dutch centre-back clearly pulled Young’s shirt, while England international Maguire had also placed his hand on the Everton man, but the pull wasn’t seen.
Speaking on the Sky Sports show Officials Mic’d Up on 11 March, PGMOL chief Howard Webb stated that he agreed with the decision to overturn the penalty, although admitted that the replays did not show a clear enough view of De Ligt’s actions.
Richard Keys has hit back at Webb, though, admitting his defence was simply “madness.”
Writing on X, he said: “Of course it was a pen Howard, not that your guys noticed the incident.
“At least you’ve admitted that. The ball was dropping to Young. He’s going to get a shot off, because he went down, he gets penalised?
“Madness.
“De Ligt committed the offence. It was a penalty. Stop covering up.”
Of course it was a pen Howard – not that your guys noticed the incident. At least you’ve admitted that. The ball was dropping to Young. He’s going to get a shot off. Because he went down he gets penalised? Madness. De Ligt committed the offence. It was a pen. Stop covering up.
— Richard Keys (@richardajkeys) March 12, 2025
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Everton will look to get back to winning ways against West Ham
The Toffees have played out two more draws following their 2-2 draw with Manchester United, as they failed to get the better of Brentford or Wolves on away soil.
Since returning to the dugout at Goodison Park back in January, David Moyes has steered Everton far away from the relegation worries they were experiencing under Sean Dyche.
Impressively, the Merseyside outfit have now enjoyed an eight-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, which is certainly something to shout about.
However, the Toffees have also now won just one of their last five top-flight outings, enduring four draws within that same period.
Therefore, supporters will be eager to see Moyes deliver a victory against West Ham this Saturday, not least because it is their last match before they face Merseyside rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on 2 April.
April will likely prove to be a difficult month for Everton, as following their meeting with the Reds they face back-to-back encounters with Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Chelsea, who could all be playing Champions League football next term.
Let’s hope for better officiating in those.
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