In a thrilling Premier League showdown at Goodison Park, Everton and Manchester United battled to a 2-2 draw in a match filled with drama and controversy. However, the final scoreline was not the main talking point of the evening. Instead, a highly contentious VAR decision that denied Everton a potential match-winning penalty in the dying moments overshadowed the spectacle.
Everton’s head coach, David Moyes, did not hold back in his post-match remarks, launching into a passionate criticism of the officiating. He expressed his frustration over what he saw as blatant favoritism toward Manchester United, even going so far as to suggest that legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson played an indirect role in influencing the decision.
“I could see it in Sir Alex Ferguson’s smile from the stands—this match was rigged!” Moyes fumed. “How can anyone justify not awarding that penalty against Ashley Young? It was a stonewall decision, and yet, once again, Manchester United get away with it. The referee needs to come forward and explain this disgraceful call. This is exactly why people call them a cheat club! They always get preferential treatment, and it’s an insult to the integrity of the game.”
The controversial moment occurred deep into stoppage time when Everton’s Ashley Young appeared to be brought down inside the penalty box. The referee initially pointed to the spot, much to the delight of the Everton players and the passionate home supporters, who believed they had been handed a golden opportunity to secure a late victory. However, their celebrations were short-lived as the VAR intervened and recommended that the referee review the incident.
Following a lengthy consultation at the pitchside monitor, the official decided to overturn his initial ruling, causing an eruption of anger from the Everton bench, the players, and the fans in the stands. The decision not to award the penalty left the Toffees feeling robbed of what they believed was a clear-cut chance to take all three points from the match.
Moyes, still seething from the turn of events, suggested that such decisions were part of a long-standing pattern of favoritism toward Manchester United, a club often accused by rival supporters of receiving favorable calls in crucial moments. His accusation that the match was “rigged” and his claim that Ferguson’s presence in the stands played a role in influencing the officials only added fuel to the post-match debate.
As the dust settles on this dramatic clash, questions will undoubtedly be raised about the consistency and transparency of VAR decisions. Everton fans will feel hard done by, while Manchester United supporters will see it as just another heated reaction from an opposing manager. Regardless, this match will be remembered not just for the goals but for the controversy that engulfed its closing moments.
