Alan Shearer in anguish
(Credit: Imago)
Henry Green
Wed 20 August 2025 9:10, UK
Everton lost their opening Premier League game at Leeds in a disappointing performance.
The Toffees looked on track for a goalless draw on Monday before James Tarkowski was judged to have handballed Anton Stach’s goal-bound effort in the 1-0 defeat.
Referee Chris Kavanagh ruled that the defender had leaned into the ball to block it with his arm, despite his arms being in a natural position and by his side.
David Moyes came out following the game and slammed the decision, and many former players have followed suit.
David Moyes with his head in his hands
David Moyes was left fuming with the decision (Credit: Imago)
Alan Shearer slams the handball rule as Gary Lineker plays ‘devil’s advocate’
The Toffees have had a disappointing summer so far, with Everton failing to win any of their six pre-season friendlies.
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At the end of last season, the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure left Everton, leaving holes in their squad that have yet to be addressed.
The late defeat at Elland Road was another kick in the teeth for Moyes, who has had an unlucky few months with the Blues.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker were in disagreement over the penalty decision.
“I suppose playing devil’s advocate here, because I agree it was very, very harsh. But if you are leaning towards the ball, the first thing that goes is your arm towards the ball,” Lineker said.
Everton only received two penalties last season, which is the joint fewest
The Toffees had just four VAR decisions go for them last season
In comparison, they had six against them
“But he’s still in a natural position. It’s still down by his side. It’s still down by his side, and it’s taking a deflection,” Shearer replied.
“I just think the handball law is an absolute [expletive]. It’s a shambles.
“It is. They have tried so many things that have just not worked. And how many times are we seeing it?
“The handball law, to me, just needs to be really simple. Is it deliberate handball or not? What’s wrong with that?”
James Tarkowski
Tarkowski was unlucky with the penalty decision (Credit: Imago)
Everton to expect more VAR controversy after troubling stats
Last season, the Blues struggled numerous times with controversial refereeing decisions.
Rank Team VAR decisions for Decisions against Net score
14. Everton 4 6 -2
15. Liverpool 4 6 -2
16. Chelsea 7 10 -3
17. Southampton 4 7 -3
18. Nottingham Forest 2 6 -4
19. Arsenal 1 7 -6
20. Bournemouth 4 11 -7
Everton didn’t get much luck with the referees last season
Everton committed the tenth most fouls last season, with 430, and only drew 384 fouls themselves.
Idrissa Gueye also conceded the 11th highest amount of fouls out of anyone in the Premier League last season, with 55 fouls committed and nine yellow cards to his name.
Based on that evidence, the Blues are in for yet another tough season when it comes to refereeing decisions.
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