What Really Happened with VAR During Everton vs Arsenal Amid Rule-Breaking Concerns

Iliman Ndiaye’s converted penalty proved crucial as Everton earned their fourth draw in five matches, a result that moves them closer to Premier League safety.

Ndiaye credited David Moyes’ tactical instructions for helping Everton grind out a point against tough opponents.

Aside from the awarded penalty, there wasn’t much to separate the teams, though former referee Mike Dean described the spot-kick as “soft.”

Still, that wasn’t the only controversy during the match, as another incident appears to have gone largely unnoticed—one that may highlight a potential VAR rule breach.

VAR confusion during Everton vs Arsenal

Following the intensity of the Merseyside Derby, officials were under pressure with Everton.

One major talking point was James Tarkowski avoiding a red card, continuing his streak of never being sent off in the Premier League.

But in Everton’s match against Arsenal, another questionable moment drew attention—this time involving Jake O’Brien.

In the 16th minute, O’Brien clashed with Ben White and received a yellow card after a VAR check.

However, under current regulations, VAR cannot be used to issue yellow cards. This strange turn prompted confusion among fans and pundits.

Journalist Patrick Boyland later clarified that the assistant referee had initially recommended a yellow card before the VAR review began.

The review was then used only to confirm that the incident didn’t warrant a red, thereby upholding the original decision.

VAR controversies support Joe Hart’s recent comments

The Premier League’s VAR system and the PGMOL have faced increased scrutiny in recent weeks due to a series of questionable decisions.

While the ruling in O’Brien’s case may technically be correct, it has contributed to growing frustration over how rules are applied and communicated.

Joe Hart recently criticized the lack of clarity around Premier League rules, a sentiment echoed by many after controversy surrounded Luis Diaz’s potential offside in Liverpool’s midweek winner.

Although the O’Brien decision has been explained, it’s raised fresh doubts about what VAR is actually allowed to do—and why the boundaries often seem so blurred.

Fans are left wondering whether the rules themselves need fixing or if clearer communication is simply overdue.