Everton almost came from behind to win against Brighton at the Amex, before two late goals saw the Toffees lose away from home yet again.
Pascal Gross scored for the Seagulls in the first half in what was a comedy of errors for Everton. Andre Gomes needless gave away a free-kick on the edge of the box, and Jordan Pickford failed to keep Gross’ shot out despite it being struck straight at him.
Everton got back on level terms not long after though, when Lucas Digne’s corner found Richarlison on the edge of the box, whose header sailed in at the near post, although contact with Adam Webster meant the goal was given as an own goal.
Everton took the lead again 15 minutes from time when Mason Holgate slid a through-ball to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose slick finish tucked in sweetly past Mat Ryan.
With ten minutes left, Brighton scored a controversial penalty, after Michael Keane was adjudged to have fouled Aaron Connolly, with the spot-kick being the first instance of VAR overruling the on-field referee.
The home side then snatched the victory deep into stoppage time, when Lucas Digne turned the ball into his own net from a Leandro Trossard cross.
Reacting on social media, a huge amount of Everton supporters took umbrage with VAR’s decision to award the penalty.
Twitter: VAR isn’t the problem it’s the picking and choosing of how to use it. Deulofeu is denied a clear cut penalty last w… https://t.co/0JQUgIIMvd (@terrymcallister)
Twitter: Correction.
VAR has ruined football. #BHAEVE https://t.co/ofOATnM9as (@LKelly_92)
Twitter: Before VAR that would have been forgotten about less than a second later and the game would have carried on. Footba… https://t.co/EowUX7HR4U (@EllBretland)
Twitter: Clear and obvious. Lol. (@Reynolds_R)
Twitter: Only thing you can say is how surprising it is that it’s taken 10 games to screw us over. #EFC (@daviddownie17)
Read Everton Verdict
VAR was introduced in order to avoid constant debate over every refereeing decision, but all it has done is further rage and frustration from fans after almost every single game.
Everton were denied even a VAR check when Richarlison was thrown to the ground earlier in the game, but for slight contact the other end, Everton concede because VAR overturn a referees decision, and that isn’t right.
Referee Andy Madley was not asked to review his original decision, instead Lee Mason overturned it for him, which is then altering who is in charge of the game. VAR is a system that does not work, and Everton fans are right to feel aggrieved with this latest decision.
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