Overview
- An assistant’s offside flag was reviewed and upheld, with the Premier League Match Centre stating VAR confirmed a no-goal because Harrison Armstrong interfered with an opponent from an offside position.
- Jake O’Brien’s header from a James Garner cross was chalked off even though O’Brien was onside, as Armstrong jumped for the ball without touching it and was deemed to impact a defender.
- The Match Centre’s explanation noted Armstrong’s action affected an opponent’s ability to play the ball, matching offside guidance on challenging or attempting to play the ball.
- Jamie Redknapp and Ashley Young questioned the call on Sky Sports, and Peter Crouch highlighted fan frustration with a post on social media.
- Former Premier League assistant Darren Cann told the BBC the decision was correct under the laws, and the episode extends Everton’s recent run of contentious VAR outcomes, including a previously acknowledged missed penalty against Arsenal.