“Mind-Boggling”: Alan Shearer Left Stunned by Key Aspect of VAR Decision in Everton vs. Man United

Everton extended their unbeaten streak in the Premier League with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Goodison Park.

The match was a tale of two halves, with Everton capitalizing on United’s poor first-half display before the visitors staged a comeback.

The home side dominated the opening 45 minutes, taking full advantage of United’s sluggish performance.

Beto opened the scoring, and Abdoulaye Doucoure doubled Everton’s lead before halftime, putting them in a commanding position.

However, United responded strongly in the second half. Bruno Fernandes pulled one back with a well-taken free-kick before Manuel Ugarte found the net from the edge of the box, leveling the score.

Despite the entertaining contest, much of the post-match discussion centered around a controversial VAR decision in stoppage time.

Ashley Young went down after a challenge involving Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, leading to a penalty being awarded.

However, after VAR intervention, referee Andy Madley was sent to the pitch-side monitor and overturned his initial decision.

The decision sparked heated debate, with Alan Shearer among those left baffled.

The former England striker was particularly frustrated by VAR’s use of camera angles, arguing that the referee was not shown the best possible view of the incident.

“There are two clear pulls on Young’s shirt from De Ligt,” Shearer said on Match of the Day. “It’s obvious. The referee gives the penalty, but then he’s sent over to the screen.

What’s mind-boggling is that they don’t show him the correct angles. They show him different views, and he quickly overturns it. That, for me, is not how it should work.”

Shearer also echoed David Moyes’ concerns, suggesting VAR officials may have been influencing the referee’s final call rather than letting him make a balanced decision.

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean agreed with the decision to overturn the penalty, but Rio Ferdinand sided with Everton, admitting he was surprised the penalty was not given.

Many Everton fans and pundits felt Young was unfairly denied a spot-kick, even though his exaggerated fall may have influenced the referee’s perception.

David Moyes, speaking after the game, shared his frustration. “I don’t think the referee should have been called to VAR,” he said.

“Why would VAR intervene in that? Unless they thought it was a really bad decision—he definitely pulls the jersey, and Young goes down.

If the roles were reversed, I wouldn’t have been surprised if it was given. That’s me being neutral, but we didn’t get it, and that was that.”

Although the overturned decision was frustrating for Everton, it is unlikely to have major consequences for their season. With the draw, the Toffees remain comfortably clear of the relegation zone, sitting 14 points above the drop.

However, the controversy once again raises concerns about VAR’s effectiveness. Despite being introduced to eliminate errors, VAR continues to divide opinion and frustrate players, managers, and fans alike.

This latest incident adds to the growing belief that the technology, rather than clarifying decisions, often creates more confusion.