flag
back Back
Gary Neville identifies VAR 'problem' after Liverpool penalty let-off vs Everton

Liverpool looked to have conceded an early penalty against Everton but the decision was rightly overturned by VAR - prompting Gary Neville to highlight a "problem" faced by fans in the stadium

Alisson brought down Dominic Calvert-Lewin but the striker was offside in the buildup
Alisson brought down Dominic Calvert-Lewin but the striker was offside in the buildup

Liverpool was given a let-off early in their Merseyside derby against Everton - and Gary Neville felt the reaction at Goodison Park underlined the “biggest problem” with VAR.

The Video Assistant Referee intervened to reach the right decision and reverse a penalty given to Everton for a foul by Alisson Becker on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Calvert-Lewin was brought down by the Liverpool goalkeeper as he skipped around him and looked to slot the ball into an empty net inside the first 10 minutes of the game.

But technology quickly showed that the Everton striker was offside from the long by Jack Harrison which set him free. As a result, the decision was overturned and Alisson’s yellow card was instantly rescinded.

While those watching on TV were left in no doubt that the right conclusion was reached, those in the stadium did not have the same luxury. As a result, Everton fans loudly booed the officials in the minutes that followed the decision - which Neville felt underlined the “problem” with the way Premier League games are now officiated.

On co-commentary duty on Sky Sports, Neville declared: “I think that’s one problem with VAR. Well, there’s more than one problem with VAR, but the biggest problem is the lack of communication to the fans in the stadium.

“They can’t see that’s just a clear offside. They wouldn’t be booing, the Everton fans, if they were able to see that shot that we’ve obviously seen here.”

Before the game, Neville had his say on the news Liverpool was in talks with Arne Slot over becoming the club's next manager. The Dutchman, currently at Feyenoord, looks increasingly likely to replace Jürgen Klopp with talks ongoing between the clubs.

Alisson had his yellow card rescinded when the decision was overturned

"It'll be something that obviously has been driven by Michael Edwards and the team there in terms of sort of wanting a different type of approach," said Neville about the potential of Slot arriving at Anfield.

"Maybe that's why Michael Edwards left Liverpool all those years ago, because of the clash with Klopp and the personality challenge.

"Now he's got his own way and he's bringing in someone who he thinks is going to take Liverpool forward. We don't know how that's going to go: we've seen the post-Wenger career at Arsenal has been difficult, we've seen the post Sir Alex Ferguson career at Manchester United has been difficult. Klopp is massive in Liverpool so they've got to try and get that right."

You may like

Mo Salah breaks his social media silence after touchline row with Jurgen Klopp

sportbible.com 2 days ago

Kyle Walker 'asks ex-Man City team-mate about Saudi' for new life away from mistress

dailystar.co.uk 5 hours ago

Slot ‘requests absolute priority’ Liverpool signing; three potential Salah replacements revealed

football365.com an hour ago

Newcastle legend calls on club to let Bruno Guimaraes LEAVE in £100m transfer… if it means keepin

thesun.co.uk 4 hours ago

Arsenal handed Premier League title race boost as Man City vs Wolves decision confirmed

football.london 2 hours ago

Premier League make Newcastle United official decision after 'scandalous' claim & Nottingham Fore

newcastleworld.com 6 hours ago

Takefusa Kubo already gave Liverpool verdict and named two favorite players amid transfer links

liverpool.com 3 hours ago

Why Arne Slot was sacked in his managerial career ahead of becoming Liverpool boss

liverpoolworld.uk 8 hours ago

Why Ryan Christie was not sent off for Bukayo Saka challenge during Arsenal vs Bournemouth

football.london 21 minutes ago