Although Everton began the season with defeat, 37 more games remain, but who knows how much more controversy.
It was a valiant second-half display from David Moyes’ side against Leeds United, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough on the night.
The need for signings is now at an all-time high, with Gary Neville suggesting four should come in.
But the result in the end wasn’t all down to the performance, as Everton were penalised for a debatable penalty decision.
After just one matchday, it could be a long season with refereeing mistakes, but now matchday two could be following the same suit for the Toffees.
Everton centre-back James Tarkowski.
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
Referee assistant Lee Betts who gave penalty against Everton is on VAR for Brighton game
Chris Kavanagh received the complaints from Everton fans, but the referee was only part of the story.
Although Kavanagh only listened to VAR and didn’t stick to his own decision, it was actually assistant referee Lee Betts who advised the penalty to be given.
James Tarkowski said Betts gave the penalty, which was strange considering how far away from the ball he was.
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"The linesman gave it apparently. He was 45 yards away and I don't understand how can he see what I've done with my arm from the angle"
James Tarkowski says it was a 'bizarre' decision to award a penalty against him 🧐 pic.twitter.com/0p7NIzxTbN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2025
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The Premier League confirmed on Monday, before the controversy unfolded, that Betts is on VAR for Sunday at the Hill Dickinson Stadium’s opener versus Brighton.
Of course, the penalty decision was only half of it, as the linesman also didn’t see a ball clearly go out for a corner against Leeds.
It was certainly a staggering performance from the official, and now he will have control of the encounter against the Seagulls.
Everton had VAR issue the last time they played Brighton at home
With one VAR issue already from the first gameday for the Toffees, the same happened last season at Goodison Park against Brighton.
Everton had a penalty overturned against Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as the VAR monitor had technical difficulties, proving that not much has improved in a year.
There will certainly be spotlight on Hill Dickinson’s opener after the controversy that unfolded at Elland Road, and playing at home against Brighton has a history.
Adding to this, with Betts on VAR, anything could happen after he made arguably two mistakes in his first fixture of the season.