The Premier League's Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel has confirmed three additional Video Assistant Referee (VAR) errors this season, bringing the total to a staggering 23. Among these, two penalties should have been awarded for holding offences—one of which left Everton, the only team yet to benefit from a VAR intervention this season, feeling particularly hard done by.
In a dramatic clash at Goodison Park, David Moyes' Everton were leading Manchester City 3-2 when a crucial moment unfolded. During a corner kick, City's Bernardo Silva was seen holding back Toffees midfielder Merlin Rohl—a clear foul that went unnoticed by referee Michael Oliver. The VAR, Paul Howard, controversially ruled that the holding occurred before the corner was taken, preventing any intervention to award a penalty.
Moyes didn't hold back in his post-match comments: "If that doesn't get given as a penalty, then it's an absolute free-for-all from now on." The KMI panel unanimously agreed with the Scottish manager, stating that "there is a clear, sustained holding offence which continues as the corner is taken and the ball comes into play."
The stakes couldn't have been higher. City went on to equalize deep into stoppage time through Jeremy Doku, snatching a 3-3 draw from Everton's grasp. For a team fighting for every point, this decision stings even more—and for fans sporting Everton gear, it's a reminder that every match can hinge on these fine margins.
