Gary Neville feared Everton ‘Riots’ after VAR incident v Liverpool at Goodison Park
Gary Neville was fearful that “riots” would kick off at Goodison Park after VAR threatened to rule out Jarrad Branthwaite’s opener for Everton against Liverpool.
Branthwaite was on hand to squeeze the ball past Alisson and give Everton a deserved lead against Liverpool in the 27th minute at Goodison Park on Wednesday (24 April).
After the centre-back had found the back of the net, VAR took a long look at the goal, with Neville fearful of the reproductions had the strike been ruled out.
While speaking live on Sky Sports Premier League (8:25 pm, 24 April), Neville said, “This could start riots.
As boos rang around Goodison Park, Neville repeated himself, before going on to explain, “The problem is now with VAR, they’re scared to death to make the wrong decision, so they’re taking so much time over things.”
Everton hostility at Goodison Park against Liverpool highlights VAR problem
After the drama of Everton’s 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Sunday (21 April), it is hard to blame VAR for taking extra caution during the clash between the Toffees and Liverpool on Wednesday night.
However, while their caution was understandable, Neville is still right to suggest that VAR now has a big problem.
Referees and the entire VAR system will no doubt be under intense scrutiny after the recent drama at Goodison Park, and they cannot afford to get many decisions wrong between now and the end of the season.
The Toffees had been awarded a penalty early on in the clash against Liverpool, but VAR ruled it out after Dominic Calvert-Lewin was correctly adjudged to have been offside in the build-up.
Had Branthwaite’s goal then been ruled out too, the hostility inside Goodison Park would have been immense.
Even if VAR does make the right decision, supporters inside the ground aren’t to know that, and after what happened recently, it is no surprise that fans won’t have much blind faith in the system.
In other Everton news, Jarrad Branthwaite’s value has plummeted by £30million at Goodison Park after a recent development.
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