Everton: Everything furious Frank Lampard said about horrible VAR decision by Chris Kavanagh

To put it in the simplest of terms, Everton were robbed of points for a hearty display against the reigning champions Manchester City. Frank Lampard’s Everton had a handball shout denied when they were trailing 1-0 and from every footage available it was glaringly evident that the Toffees should have been awarded a penalty.

In the 84th minute, Everton were trailing 1-0 and there was a handball by Rodri in the penalty area, on-field referee Paul Tierney was soon surrounded by Everton players claiming a handball and asking for a deserved penalty. As soon as VAR check happened, the Everton players, the vociferous Everton supporters were sure it was a penalty. Perhaps, even the guilt-ridden face of Rodri gave it away because he knew a penalty was coming.

To the shock of the players, Lampard and 35000+ supporters on the ground, a penalty was not awarded. VAR referee Chris Kavanagh thought there was inconclusive proof and Richarlison could have been offside in the buildup.

It was probably the clearest handball and for Kavanagh to not give a penalty or even send Tierney to the VAR screen can be judged as gross incompetence. Post the game, Lampard was furious with the refereeing and the VAR decision.

Everton manager Frank Lampard fumes at VAR decision

"The decision is incredible. It’s an incredible decision that loses us the opportunity we deserved. That’s VAR’s call, it’s on Chris Kavanagh. It’s completely on Chris. I’ve spoken to the referees on the day. They know it’s a penalty. My question was: was it offside in the build-up? It wasn’t.It’s Chris Kavanagh. The referee couldn’t see it, he was on the other side. That’s fine, it’s one of the reasons we have got VAR to have those second eyes. It wouldn’t have needed more than five seconds to see it was a penalty.He either should have told the referee it was a penalty or said to go and look [at the screen]. We have lost a point when we’re fighting for our life because of a professional who can’t do his job right and that’s amazing.I’m not waiting for the statement or apology or whatever about when things are wrong. Then you start searching for why. I can’t think why because it’s competence to get it wrong.Pep Guardiola and Manchester City fans will know, Everton fans will certainly know, it’s a penalty. (via Liverpool World)"

This decision has caused immense anger among the fans as Everton drop to 17th place, just one point ahead of Burnley. The relegation fight can get ugly and will need more spirited performances like this. One cannot possibly say that the Toffees didn’t give it their all against City.

Lampard has every right to be fuming with such horrible decisions because for Everton, every point matters and could be the difference between their survival and relegation.

Can Frank Lampard save the Toffees?