Premier League make official announcement after Everton controversy v Fulham
Everton secured a crucial 3-1 victory away to Fulham, though they were aided by Darren England in the latter stages.
Goals from Vitaliy Mykolenko, Michael Keane and Beto secured all three points for Everton in a 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage.
The hosts took the lead through Raul Jimenez, but Mykolenko‘s deflected strike just seconds before half-time knocked the wind out of their sails.
However, the scoreline was nearly affected by an incident towards the latter stages of the game, with the Premier League forced to release a statement after the game.
Fulham denied late penalty after VAR intervention
Everton were more than deserving of their three points, having limited Fulham to very few clear-cut chances throughout the game.
Two goals in as many minutes made sure that the Toffees would come away from Craven Cottage with all three points, but a handball shout in the final few seconds could have seen that advantage halved.
Just as Fulham were on the attack, a ball was whipped towards the area, with Mykolenko handling it inside the penalty area, with referee England unfazed, though VAR requested a review.
| Fulham v Everton | Goals | Shots | xG | Possession |
| Fulham | 1 | 18 | 0.97 | 64% |
| Everton | 3 | 11 | 1.05 | 36% |
After a long look at the footage, England decided against changing his decision, and instead awarded the ball back to Everton, with the Premier League explaining the decision.
Via the Match Centre X account, the statement reads: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty for a possible handball by Mykolenko – and deemed that his arm was away from his body, therefore recommended an on-field review. Upon review, the referee deemed that Mykolenko’s arm was in a justifiable position given his actions and retained the original decision of no penalty.”
Had the penalty been awarded, it’s highly unlikely that it would have had any impact, given the fact that the full-time whistle was just seconds away.
Everton win will be huge for confidence
Everton’s form had taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks, and it was imperative that they turned that around at Craven Cottage.
While there is nothing material left to play for, the Toffees will want to end the season on a high and take as much momentum as possible into the new campaign.