pwshub.com

Everton boss Sean Dyche defies League chiefs' warning with VAR blast

Sean Dyche has opened the new season with a blast at VAR – despite managers being warned that criticism of officials risks undermining the Premier League.

Dyche was left fuming after his Everton side had a penalty decision overturned in Saturday's home defeat against Brighton.

Referee Simon Hooper initially pointed to the spot early in the second half after judging that Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been fouled by Albion captain Lewis Dunk, before changing his mind after being sent to the monitor.

Everton, trailing 1-0 at the time, ended up losing the game 3-0. 

New guidelines from officials had indicated Stockley Park would try to intervene less this season.

Dyche said afterwards: 'I can't work it out on the penalty.

'He (the referee) makes a decision in a perfect viewing point and lo and behold is called over to overturn it.

'So what is the point of a high bar then? We've had meetings about it.

'Their player is out of control on the floor and drags his foot along with the top of his foot and the bottom of Dom's so that clearly pulls him to the ground.

'That is contact in the box and we have all seen the tiniest things given as a penalty – someone treads on a toe and they give a penalty. So I think we are all confused by this.'

Dyche's comments may not be welcomed by authorities given that Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes and referees' chief Howard Webb, held meetings with managers before the season warning that attacking VAR decisions would reduce confidence in the league.

To complicate matters at Goodison, Mr Hooper had to consult a second smaller monitor after technical issues stopped the main one from working.

Dyche (left) risks drawing the wrath of FA bosses who say criticism of officials 'undermines the Premier League'

The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision: 'The referee awarded a penalty to Everton for a foul by Dunk on Calvert-Lewin. 

The VAR recommended an on-field review as he deemed Calvert-Lewin's foot landed on Dunk's foot and there was no foul. The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a drop ball.'

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said it was 'clear' the original penalty call was wrong and should have been overturned.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Related stories
3 weeks ago - Speaking before Everton's trip to Tottenham, Dyche said: 'Collectively, it seems to be, "Right, we are on to something" then, boom, it is like being back down to, "Oh, no, we're not", that kind of thing.'
3 weeks ago - A group of Everton fans vented their anger at the squad after they suffered a dismal 4-0 defeat at Tottenham, with the result leaving the Toffees bottom of the early Premier League table.
1 month ago - The Toffees were hit with a staggering 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR) last November for an infraction in the 2021-22 season.
1 month ago - Everton were initially awarded a penalty to try and equalise early in the second half of their 3-0 defeat after Lewis Dunk appeared to foul Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
3 weeks ago - Dyche and Co go to Tottenham on Saturday with just 14 first-team players to choose from given an early-season injury crisis and they may struggle to fill the substitutes' bench.
Other stories
47 minutes ago - JOE BERNSTEIN AT THE GEWISS STADIUM: Mikel Arteta's side had to call on David Raya to pull off a fine double save from Mateo Retegui as they were forced to defend for large periods.
47 minutes ago - Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was eventually sent off in Thursday's Champions League opener against AS Monaco after the referee got his cards muddled up.  
47 minutes ago - Both players have become undroppable under Mikel Arteta and been credited as a major force behind the Gunners' recent Premier League title challenges.
47 minutes ago - David Raya produced two moments of brilliance to stop Arsenal going behind in their Champions League opener against Atalanta on Thursday night.
47 minutes ago - ISAAN KHAN AT THE GEWISS STADIUM: How David Raya denied Mateo Retegui not once, but twice, only he knows.