Richard Keys instantly reacts to Everton v Manchester United controversy
Richard Keys couldn’t believe what he saw as late controversy unfolded in the 2-2 draw between Everton and Manchester United.
Everton raced into a two-goal lead in the first half on Saturday (22 February) as the Toffees looked set to continue their fine form in the Premier League under David Moyes.
Beto was at it again, with Abdoulaye Doucouré also once again among the goals. However, Manchester United responded in the second half.
Late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte levelled the score at Goodison Park, with both teams forced to settle for a point. However, Moyes will no doubt be fuming as his side were robbed of a late chance to regain the lead and move further up the Premier League table.
| Stat | Goals | Shots | Possesion |
| Everton | 2 | 9 | 38 per cent |
| Manchester United | 2 | 9 | 62 per cent |
Keys reacts as Everton denied penalty v Manchester United
Controversy had already ensued at Goodison, as VAR took minutes to green-light Beto’s opener, which allowed Paul Merson to aim a jibe at Manchester United.
However, the real drama was saved for the closing moments of the match, as Everton were initially awarded a penalty after Harry Maguire was adjudged to have fouled Ashley Young before VAR advised Andy Madley to head to the screen, with the referee then overturning his on-field decision.
Keys was left shocked, writing via his personal X account (22 February), “Wow.”
The 67-year-old went on to add, “VAR asked if there was enough in Maguire’s action to bring Young down. No there wasn’t. But that wasn’t the offence – Matthijs de Ligt pulled him back. Clear and obvious error? No. Penalty all day long.”
Keys added a third tweet, reacting to an image of the incident in question, writing, “Unbelievable.”
Moyes will fume as Everton draw v Manchester United
Moyes will be fuming for several reasons after the draw at Goodison.
First and foremost, he will be fuming with his own players for letting a two-goal lead slip. While there will no doubt be frustration about the late decision to deny the Toffees a penalty, the home side shouldn’t have been relying on such a situation to pick up the three points.
At half-time, they looked well-positioned to win the match, and that will be something for Moyes to look into. However, that doesn’t mean the Scottish tactician won’t be angry about the late controversy.
Regardless of whether or not Everton should have been ahead at that point, they should have been awarded the penalty late on. Therefore, it looks as though the Premier League have plenty of explaining to do after this latest VAR controversy.