Rafael Benitez speaks out against VAR decision that might have cost his side three points
Everton manager Rafael Benitez has had his say on the controversial VAR decision that denied his side a penalty against Tottenham.
The incident came in the 64th minute as Richarlison raced through on goal. Latching onto the ball, the Brazilian got a nick before tumbling over the hand of Hugo Lloris, prompting referee Chirs Kavanagh to point to the spot.
Following a VAR review, Kavanagh was sent to the pitchside monitor before overturning his original decision – much to the fury of the Goodison Park faithful.
Speaking about the decision after the full-time whistle (as reported by Everton FC News), Benitez couldn’t help but voice his discontent.
“Richarlison touched the ball after Lloris touched him,” Benitez said. “In the middle of the pitch, it’s a foul and in the box, it has to be a foul.”
The Toffees boss also commented on the injury-time VAR review that led to Mason Holgate’s dismissal, although he admitted there was nothing to be argued.
“The (Holgate) red card, he had the studs very high so I can’t complain about that.”
A costly decision
Whether the penalty was given or not, it’s impossible to escape that the attacking play simply was not potent enough. The lack of cutting edge cost Everton an opportunity to get a crucial result against a Tottenham side also low on progressive quality.
What is also impossible to ignore, however, is the first of two significant VAR calls. The second, admittedly, was a fair decision in stoppage time. The first, however, was as costly to the Toffees as the general lack of potency up front.
Watching replays, it’s difficult not to come to the conclusion that, in fact, Kavanagh’s original decision should have stood – especially considering it was not a clear and obvious error anyway.
While a point against Antonio Conte’s Spurs to end a run of three consecutive defeats is not disastrous, Everton should have had the opportunity to steal all three from the spot.
With that, you feel, the Toffees were well and truly cheated on the day.
In other Everton news, BBC commentators were full of praise for Fabian Delph against Tottenham on Sunday.