Everton felt they were denied a clear second-half penalty during their goalless draw with Newcastle at Goodison Park on Saturday. The moment of controversy came when Dominic Calvert-Lewin clashed with Newcastle defender Dan Burn and tumbled inside the box. Referee Craig Pawson immediately waved off appeals, and a quick VAR review backed his call.
A statement from the Premier League Match Centre explained: “The referee’s decision of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR, determining that Calvert-Lewin kicked the back of Burn’s leg.” Pawson was heard stating: “Not for me, not for me. There’s a challenge between the two, not for me.” VAR official Chris Kavanagh added: “[Burn] gets his foot in front, [Calvert-Lewin] kicks him. That’s not a penalty.”
Fans were left fuming, with many calling the decision “embarrassing” and “corrupt” on social media. Everton boss Sean Dyche expressed his frustration post-match, saying, “If that happens in the middle of the pitch, everyone thinks it’s a foul. At least have a proper look at it.” Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe stood by his player, stating, “I thought Dan stood his ground.”
Though VAR briefly checked the incident, the review was so swift that it wasn’t even shown on the stadium screens, leaving Everton supporters with a sense of injustice.
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