FOOTBALL fans were left baffled when VAR decided not to award Everton a penalty after a handball by Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
The Premier League have now revealed why the incident was not deemed a spot-kick, after Everton boss Frank Lampard raged that his three-year-old daughter could see it was.
Rodri was not punished for what appeared to be a clear handball
The Premier League have revealed their official reasoning for not overturning the on-field decision
Acting VAR for the game Chris Kavanagh stuck with Paul Tierney’s on-field decision not to penalise Rodri, without instructing the latter to consult the sideline monitor.
The Premier League have since explained the decision stood because there was: “Not clear enough evidence to show conclusively that it was handball.”
Lampard predicted after the game that there would be a statement from Prem chiefs.
Although the Chelsea legend insisted ‘it will mean nothing’ after his relegation-threatened Toffees were denied the chance of a late spot-kick.
Lampard fumed after the game: “I’ll wait for the statement or apology they do when things are wrong, but it will mean nothing.
“I was calm, I was not shouting and ranting at him [Tierney]. I wanted to know if offside in the build-up but I have been told it wasn’t in the build-up.”
Lampard also slammed the officiating as ‘incompetent’ as his side stayed 17th in the table, one place and one point above the relegation zone.
He raged: “I have a three-year-old daughter at home who could tell you that was a penalty.
“It is incompetence at best, if not that then someone needs to explain what it is.”
The decision meant Phil Foden’s strike ten minutes from time secured a vital three points for Manchester City in the title race.
While Everton lost out on what could have been a crucial point in the battle against relegation.
Pep Guardiola’s side moved six points above challengers Liverpool, who are in Carabao Cup final action against Chelsea today.
