Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith has instantly reacted to VAR controversy in Everton’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
Sean Dyche’s wait for a first Premier League win of 2024 goes on after Seamus Coleman put through his own net in injury time to condemn the Toffees to another defeat.
Beto thought he’d earned Everton a point, cancelling out Dominic Solanke’s opener for the hosts. Yet, it was Andoni Iraola’s side who ran away 2-1 winners.
The Toffees’ goalscoring issues were present once more as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal drought continued.
Despite the result, the visitors will feel frustrated after the 26-year-old was involved in a second-half penalty incident.
Everton were aggrieved to see a penalty appeal waved away from referee Sam Barrott. On VAR duty, Michael Oliver didn’t feel there was enough contact on the Englishman for a spot kick to be rewarded.
However, as the video below displays, Tyler Adams clearly makes contact with the striker; this season, we have seen penalties given for less.
On Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, Smith shared her immediate reaction to the decision.
What has Sue Smith said about Everton’s penalty claim against Bournemouth?
Smith, who made 93 appearances for England, suggested that there was contact with the England international.
“They broke through, and they were looking for a penalty; it looks like Smith comes across,” she said [Sky Sports, 4:13 pm, 30 March]
“It’s being checked to see if Everton could have a penalty; the ball comes into Dominic Calvert-Lewin; it’s a real slight touch as he cuts back; it’s just a slight touch on him. It’s good build-up play.”
How much has VAR impacted Everton this season?
A clever piece of research from ESPN has tracked how much VAR has impacted each Premier League club during the 2023/24 season.
This season, the Toffees have been involved in seven VAR overturns; unfortunately, Dyche’s side haven’t been awarded a goal due to VAR.
- 7 overturns
- 0 goals for
- 1 disallowed goal
- 2 goals against
- 3 goals disallowed against
- 0 net goal score
- 1 penalty for
- 2 penalties against
Everton have had one goal disallowed. However, they have seen three goals conceded chalked out as a result of the technology.
Dyche will undoubtedly feel his side should have been awarded a spot-kick against Bournemouth; there was certainly contact on the Calvert-Lewin.
When your luck is out, it’s out – and, at the moment, it’s hard to envisage any light emerging at the end of the tunnel.
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