Harri Burton

Fri 5 January 2024 8:40, UK

Jeff Stelling has hit out at the governing bodies and the PGMOL after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s red card for Everton v Crystal Palace on Thursday night.

Initially passed off as a good tackle by referee Chris Kavanagh, the Toffees striker was shown a straight red card for his challenge on Nathaniel Clyne in the FA Cup 3rd Round following a VAR check.

The referee was sent to the pitchside monitor, with the opinion that he should change his mind on the decision against Calvert-Lewin. It is fair to say, Stelling was furious with the incident and took to X to voice his upset.

“Seriously a red card for Calvert-Lewin?” the talkSPORT host posted. “Does anybody honestly believe the game is better for VAR?

“Makes you weep how the governing bodies/PGMOL are destroying our beloved game.”

It isn’t the technology, but those who use it

Stelling is correct, in a sense. VAR is destroying the beautiful game that we have come to know and love. However, it is not the technology that is the issue; it is the people who use it that are causing the problems.

When looking at rugby, it is a wonder as to why football cannot adopt the same use and standards of VAR. In no world should Calvert-Lewin have been sent off for his “studs-up” challenge on Clyne, with Kavanagh allowing to let the match flow.

But once the referee was called over to the little box at the side of the pitch, everyone knew that there was only going to be one outcome – a straight red. Luckily for Everton, it did not change the complexion of the game, finishing 0-0, and the Toffees even came the closest to finding a late winner on two occasions.

Now, the two sides are set for a replay of the game, with a winner needed to progress to the next round of the FA Cup. There is unlikely to be an apology for the awful decision but something needs to be done as VAR continues to rear its ugly head when just so unneeded.

In other Everton news, a 2/10 player stunk out Selhurst Park.