Everton may be enjoying the international break, but they are unable to catch a break from the Premier League providing some frustrating news.
The draw on the weekend against West Ham United saw Everton pull 17 points clear of the relegation zone.
David Moyes may not yet admit it, but the Toffees now look all but safe for another season in the Premier League.
Everton had another VAR decision go against them against West Ham on the weekend with a penalty decision overturned.
It has been a season of VAR decisions not going in their favour, but the Blues have been able to keep their fine run of form going.
However, the latest news coming out of the Premier League may well frustrate a few on Merseyside as another blow emerges over the standard of refereeing.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Premier League announcement will frustrate those at Everton
Saturday’s penalty is not the first to be overturned this season, with Ashley Young’s penalty against Manchester United also overruled by VAR.
But it is not just penalties where Everton have been left frustrated by VAR this season, with numerous goals chalked off for incredibly tight offside decisions.
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According to The Guardian, the Premier League are delaying their use of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) once again.
A failure in the technology during a recent FA Cup clash between Bournemouth and Wolves has seen the introduction delayed until next season.
It is suggested the technology could be introduced next month, but some clubs are now questioning whether it would be wise to bring it into the game with less than 10 games remaining.
Everton are one of the sides who have suffered from narrow offside goals this season.
Although VAR was introduced to cut out the errors, some of the close-call decisions only raise further questions over the accurate use of the technology.
Everton among the worst Premier League club’s for being offside
There is only one other side in the Premier League who have found themselves ruled offside more than Everton this season.
Club Offsides
Nottingham Forest 67
Everton 66
Arsenal 64
The Toffees have also had three of their goals scored this season ruled out due to offside decisions.
Some of those calls have been extremely close and the introduction of SAOT would certainly have come in useful for ending any debate over the controversial decisions.
Player ruled offside Opponent
Abdoulaye Doucoure Newcastle (H)
Beto Southampton (A)
Orel Mangala Wolves (H)
Everton will have been annoyed by some PGMOL decisions of late, with referee appointments which they may not have been in favour of.
But this one will certainly leave the club shaking their heads.