Shay Given, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker backs VAR decision to disagree with Mike Dean towards VAR decision that nearly ruin the Toffees win vs Town.
Match of the Day pundit Shay Given asserts that referee Michael Oliver ultimately made the correct decision in the Ipswich Town penalty controversy from yesterday’s match.
Initially, Oliver awarded a penalty after it seemed that Ipswich’s Jack Clarke was tripped by Everton’s Dwight McNeil in the 26th minute of their 2-0 loss at Portman Road.
However, after being advised by the VAR team to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, Oliver reversed his decision.
Even after reviewing the slow-motion replays, the situation remained unclear, though it appeared Clarke had kicked the back of McNeil’s leg as he attempted to shoot.
During last night’s episode of MOTD, Given commented: “I think Michael Oliver made the right call. He initially gave the penalty, but ultimately reached the correct conclusion.
“He only had one look at it in real-time, but VAR did a good job. Clarke tangled with McNeil in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. But when you slow it down, you see Clarke kicked the back of McNeil’s leg. It was the right decision for Oliver to review it and realize it wasn’t a penalty.”
Both host Gary Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer agreed with Given’s assessment.
An Ipswich perspective, however, offered a different view: “At first glance, it seemed like a clear penalty. Clarke had dribbled past a couple of defenders and was preparing to shoot when McNeil moved across his path.
“You can argue that Clarke’s foot made contact with McNeil’s, but McNeil didn’t touch the ball or even try to play it, and he obstructed Clarke’s shot. To me, that’s a penalty.
“While I understand the debate, I find it hard to see how this was overturned. Unless it’s a clear and obvious error, the referee’s original decision should stand, since he has the best view and can judge the action at full speed.
“Michael Oliver and I spoke afterward, and he agreed McNeil had stepped into Clarke’s path. But he said it was difficult to ignore the input from VAR. I don’t think he should have been put in that situation by the VAR team.
“I rarely comment on refereeing decisions, but today, I believe a poor decision went against us.”