Everton v Fulham controversy dubbed "strange". Credit: Sky Sports
Everton v Fulham controversy dubbed "strange". Credit: Sky Sports

Everton v Fulham controversy emerges as 'strange' footage shown on Sky Sports

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Louis Saha was baffled after Dominic Calvert-Lewin's opener against Fulham was ruled out for offside as Everton drew 1-1 on Saturday (26 October).

The 28-year-old thought he had given the Toffees the lead at Goodison Park, pouncing on Idrissa Gueye's dazzling strike, which bounced off the crossbar and kindly in front of the striker.

Despite roars at Goodison Park, the linesman was quick to put up his flag, and following a VAR check, Sean Dyche's side had their goal removed.

Speaking live via Sky Sports on Saturday (26 October, 6:21pm), Saha said: He's unlucky to be called offside, but it's a strange one. From the other angle, it seems like he was onside but it was offside."

Dominic Calvert-Lewin denied by VAR again in Everton v Fulham

Calvert-Lewin is certainly no stranger to a controversial decision, most recently being the subject of a penalty decision against Newcastle United during a goalless draw at Goodison Park.

There seem to be fewer arguments to be made with this contentious decision, with an angle clearly showing Calvert-Lewin offside as Gueye unleashed his strike from outside the penalty area.

However, the striker certainly looks to be in line with the last defender from the opposite angle, which is clearly where the confusion has come from.

Given how well the Toffees played during the first half, the offside call will have come as a huge blow, and even more so after former Goodison Park star Alex Iwobi scored the opener.

Dyche's side must begin taking their chances if the Toffees are to move away from the dreaded relegation zone, but a last-gasp point against Fulham is certainly a good start.

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