MustyPremier League Admits VAR Blunder in West Ham vs Everton Clash
The Premier League has issued a rare and strongly worded statement acknowledging a major refereeing and VAR error during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat of Everton by West Ham United at the London Stadium.
In the 84th minute, with the score at 2-1, West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area while grappling with Everton’s James Tarkowski. Referee Stuart Attwell waved away the appeals, and VAR Michael Salisbury upheld the on-field decision after a brief check, ruling the contact “accidental.”
Following widespread criticism and Everton’s formal complaint to the PGMOL, the Premier League released an unprecedented statement late on Tuesday evening. It described the incident as “a clear and significant failure in the VAR protocol” and admitted that the handball should have been penalised.
“The decision not to award a penalty was incorrect,” the statement read. “Replays show the ball made contact with Fernandes’ arm in a deliberate manner that meets the criteria for a spot-kick. The VAR’s failure to intervene and recommend an on-field review represents a serious error in the application of the laws. We apologise unreservedly to Everton Football Club, its players, staff and supporters for the impact this had on the result.”
The Premier League confirmed that both the referee and VAR will be stood down from this weekend’s fixtures while an internal review is conducted. Everton manager David Moyes, who was visibly furious on the touchline, welcomed the admission but called for “meaningful change, not just words.”
Everton CEO Angus Kinnear said the club was “grateful for the apology” but stressed that repeated VAR controversies this season have eroded trust in the system. West Ham have declined to comment.
The episode reignites the ongoing debate over VAR’s effectiveness in the Premier League, with many fans and pundits demanding greater transparency and accountability from officials.
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