Former Everton man rages at 'ridiculous' Bournemouth decision as VAR slammed

Former Everton defender Martin Keown has taken aim at the decision not to award Everton a penalty in their 2-1 loss to Bournemouth.

Sean Dyche’s side suffered a setback in their battle to avoid relegation after conceding an own goal in added time. Everton looked to have salvaged a point late on after Beto pounced on a mistake from goalkeeper Neto to cancel out Dominic Solanke’s opener; however, Seamus Coleman turned the ball past Jordan Pickford in the 91st minute.

However, early in the second half, with the match still goalless, Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams made contact with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the penalty area, leading the Everton striker to go down. Referee Samuel Barrott did not award a spot kick and was not recommended to review the incident by VAR Micahel Oliver, as the ECHO understands that the VAR officials deemed the contact to be too ‘minimal’.

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Analysing the incident on Match of the Day, pundit Stephen Warnock said: “I absolutely can [understand Dyche’s frustration]. The referee, Samuel Barrott, had a decision to make.

"He felt that there wasn’t enough contact but in this position, why would Calvert-Lewin go down? He’s just got beyond Tyler Adams; Tyler Adams clips him here. That’s enough at the speed that they’re moving, it always looks different slowed down. That’s a penalty. He’s very very unlucky here, Calvert-Lewin.”

Before Keown added: “Unbelievable decision. I cannot believe it, really. I mean that’s ridiculous."

Giving his thoughts on the penalty incident, Dyche said: “How we don’t get a penalty, I think that is what VAR is