Leeds United manager Daniel Farke shocked with Richard Keys insert
Credit: Imago, beIN Sports Youtube channel
Evan Lloyd
Tue 19 August 2025 12:40, UK
Leeds United were the beneficiaries of a controversial refereeing decision in their Premier League opener against Everton.
Lukas Nmecha’s late penalty saw Leeds beat Everton 1-0 at Elland Road on Monday, 18 August, after James Tarkowski was adjudged to have blocked Anton Stach’s shot with his arm.
But former Premier League referee Keith Hackett exclusively told MOT Leeds News that the penalty was incorrectly given, with the defender’s arm kept close to his body.
Nevertheless, Nmecha stepped up to convert his first penalty in over four years, also marking his first competitive goal in Leeds‘ colours.
Lukas Nmecha Leeds United
Nmecha claimed his first Leeds goal (Credit: Imago)
Richard Keys stunned by David Moyes comments
Opinion appeared divided on the penalty decision, including from referee Chris Kavanagh himself.
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Kavanagh looked to have paused for a few seconds, weighing up the incident, before eventually blowing his whistle and pointing to the spot.
The referee also appeared to be listening to his earpiece, which would suggest the linesman gave his thoughts on the block from his perspective on the far side.
Quotes from Everton manager David Moyes would suggest that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), John Brooks, was speaking to the referee during the incident, however.
Match officials Leeds vs Everton
Referee Chris Kavanagh
Video assistant referee John Brooks
Assistant referees (linesmen) Dan Cook & Lee Betts
Speaking after the game, the Scot said: “If anything, he’s (Tarkowski) trying to get his hands behind his back. He’s allowed to block it.
“I’ve been to see the ref. The ref had nothing to do with it. He thought it was to do with VAR and a decision they’ve made.
“If VAR has made the decision, I think it’s the wrong decision.”
Moyes’ comments would indicate a breach in protocol for VAR, which should not technically be involved in any decision made on-field by the referee, until it has already been made.
Richard Keys reacted to the quotes on social media on 19 August, writing: “If this is correct, it’s incredible. It’s David Moyes speaking after the game last night.
“If so, it means VAR is now refereeing – not the man/woman in the middle. Unbelievable. And wrong.”
Full investigation may be necessary after David Moyes comments
One would assume Moyes was mistaken in his understanding of how the penalty decision played out.
Kavanagh was likely referring to the decision made by VAR after the fact, in which Brooks decided against sending the on-field referee to the monitor for review.
IFAB VAR Principles: 2. The referee must always make a decision.
4. VAR (and other match officials) can only recommend a ‘review’ to the referee.
FA Law 5: The referee may be assisted by a video assistant referee (VAR) only in the event of a ‘clear and obvious error’ or ‘serious missed incident’.
But if not, the Premier League may well be forced to launch a full investigation into a clear breach of protocol, with such actions strictly prohibited by the guidelines.
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