Everton boss Frank Lampard has slammed VAR as incompetent following the decision not to award his side a penalty during their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
Everton agonisingly missed out on sharing the spoils with league leaders Manchester City following a decision not to award the Blues a penalty against a handball by Rodri.
Pep Guardiola’s side won 1-0 at Goodison Park as Phil Foden capitalised on poor Toffees defending to score in the 82nd minute.
Frank Lampard slammed VAR as incompetent after the decision not to award Everton a penalty
Rodri appeared to control the ball with his hand in the last five minutes at Goodison Park
But just three minutes later it seemed that Lampard’s team would have the opportunity to equalise after what appeared to be a clear handball by Rodri.
The Spaniard stuck out his arm to control the ball in the area, which led to both VAR Chris Kavanagh and on-pitch referee Paul Tierney having a look at the incident.
However, a spot-kick was not awarded as the officials decided that the ball struck Rodri below the t-shirt line on his sleeve.
The Toffees boss was left furious with the decision as he claimed even his three-year-old daughter could have seen it was a penalty.
After a VAR check, it was ruled that the ball struck Rodri below the t-shirt line on his sleeve
‘I was calm, I was not shouting and ranting at him.’ Lampard said on Sky Sports following the game.
‘I wanted to know if it was offside in the build up but I have been told it wasn’t in the build up.
‘Go to VAR, they have two minutes to look at it and to think they have not given that as a penalty when it strikes him on the arm, in an unnatural position.
‘I have a three year old daughter at home who could tell you that was a penalty.
‘We are fighting at the bottom of the table and they are fighting at the top and an easy decision to give on a penalty. I don’t know what has to happen as a reflection of that.
The Toffees boss claimed his three-year-old daughter could tell that it was a penalty
‘A mistake is when you have done something wrong and don’t have time to think about it, they had two minutes to digest the handball.
‘Even if the VAR says not sure, then go have a look. It is incompetence at best, if not that then someone needs to explain what it is.’
Everton almost managed to hold the Premier League champions to a goalless stalemate as Pep Guardiola’s side huffed and puffed but couldn’t find goal.
But Foden finally found the back of the net in the 82nd minute after he pounced on a defensive howler by Michael Keane to score the decisive goal.
Lampard praised his side, despite the bitterly disappointing result, insisting they played ‘brilliantly’.
Phil Foden capitalised on an error from Everton defender Michael Keane in the 82nd minute
‘I think on performance alone but when you play against City you understand how the game may go – possession against you, having to defend, to press to cover – we did it brilliantly,’ he said.
‘The first half was immense from us. I think we deserved something. They created chances in the second half, nothing in the first.
‘Every player for the application for what they did, their braveness on the ball… I am very proud and on reflection we will look back and think “what a performance”.
‘We are a bit hurting because of the performance and of a huge decision.
‘I won’t criticise individual mistake. It is a little freakish. Cruel but that’s football.’
Sky Sports pundit and former City star Micah Richards agreed the penalty should have been awarded as he claimed the decision could prove costly in Everton’s battle to stay in the Premier League.
Micah Richards claimed the decision could prove costly in Everton’s battle to stay up
‘The player’s face says it all. It’s handball. It’s below the T-shirt line,’ he said.
‘It’s just ridiculous. We’ve talked about VAR so many times and of late they’ve got so many things right, but today they’ve got it wrong, and it’s cost Everton dearly.
‘Forget Liverpool for a minute and what they’re doing, Everton need to stay up. If they got a penalty and get a draw out of the game, it enhances their chances.
‘I think because everyone’s said they hate VAR, when the VAR (check) happens, if it’s not done really quick and it takes three, or four, or five minutes and everyone’s moaning about it, (it is rushed) instead of actually taking your time, getting the right decision.
‘How can that not be clear evidence (to overturn the decision)?’