Everton were on the end of two blatantly incorrect refereeing decisions on Saturday, but because they won little will be said.
Understandably, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ late equaliser, ridiculously ruled out for offside, has dominated the headlines.
Having cost them a point, it marks yet another VAR blunder to add to the ever-growing list, as a piece of technology that is slowly gathering more detractors than supporters.
And the Old Gold, similarly to the Toffees, have been particularly wronged by its farcical use throughout the season.
Now, Gary Lineker has had his say.
Gary Lineker left sick of VAR
Taking to X just yesterday, his summary was brief, but neatly explained his thoughts on VAR at the moment.
Whilst his plight was not Everton-specific, the grievance came after two outstanding incidents were waved away at Goodison Park which would have certainly put the result beyond all reasonable doubt.
First, as Beto raced through on goal after Andre Gomes’ neat through ball, he cut across the onrushing Sander Berge. And yet, despite being bundled over in a way that only a foul could have done, nothing was given.
No red card, likely due to fear of having to dish out another after dismissing Dara O’Shea earlier in the half.
Then, in added time, James Garner’s quick feet at the edge of the box saw him brought down by Jay Rodriguez. Despite clear contact, neither the referee nor VAR saw fit to award a penalty.
Likely tied to these two examples, as well as Wolves’ outstanding issue, Lineker gave a damning assessment on the Premier League‘s supposed law-enforcer: ‘Another stinker of a day for VAR’.
Everton denied two blatant decisions by Michael Oliver
Before a match, after the two lineups are announced, the man with the microphone will often then reveal who the referee for that match will be.
Nine times out of ten that name will be met with boos from the home crowd.
However, none more vociferous than Michael Oliver, who has a history of making decisions to upset Evertonians.
Although, when it occurred I turned to my right and questioned why Goodison Park did that, without fail, for every referee. Surely it wouldn’t make them any more likely to give a decision in their favour?
Well, after the full-time whistle went, I had been made well aware of the reasons behind such a reception.
Oliver was abysmal throughout, and not only did he miss two of the three big calls he needed to make, but his persistent failure to play the correct advantage or even give throw-ins to the right team made for a wholly frustrating afternoon.
He was the cherry on top of an already terrible game of football, as he capped it off with an even worse refereeing performance.
No penalty for a foul on Garner. No red card for a foul on Beto. He shouldn’t be allowed to oversee Everton games if he is going to be so consistently incompetent, yet because they won no light will be shone on his failures.
It could have proved costly yesterday. VAR needs a serious overhaul, not just in the technology, but in the clueless personnel controlling it.