- Sean Dyche has criticised VAR after Everton had a penalty decision overturned
- However, the FA could discipline Dyche as they take a tougher stance on referee criticism
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Sean Dyche has opened the new season with a bang at VAR, despite warnings from managers that criticism of officials could undermine the Premier League.
Dyche was furious after his Everton side saw a penalty decision overturned in Saturday’s home defeat to Brighton.
Referee Simon Hooper initially pointed to the spot at the start of the second half after adjudicating that Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been fouled by Albion captain Lewis Dunk, but changed his mind after being sent to the monitor.
Everton, who were 1-0 down at the time, eventually lost the match 3-0. New guidelines from officials indicated that Stockley Park would try to intervene less this season.
Everton manager Sean Dyche has criticised the officiating during his team’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton
Dyche said afterwards: ‘I can’t get behind it with the penalty.
‘He (the referee) makes a decision from a perfect vantage point and lo and behold, he is called forward to overturn the decision.
‘What’s the point of setting the bar high? We’ve had meetings about it.
‘Their player loses control of the floor and is dragging his foot with the top of his foot and the bottom of Dom’s foot, clearly pulling him to the floor.
‘That’s contact in the box and we’ve all seen the smallest things that are given as penalties – someone steps on a toe and gives a penalty. So I think we’re all confused by that.’
Dyche’s comments may not be welcomed by the authorities as the Premier League’s chief football officer Tony Scholes and chief referee Howard Webb held pre-season meetings with managers in which they warned that offensive VAR decisions would undermine confidence in the league.
To further complicate matters at Goodison, Mr Hooper had to consult a second, smaller monitor after technical problems prevented the main monitor from working.
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a penalty decision overturned by VAR
VAR ruled that Calvert-Lewin had committed no foul in Brighton’s dunk
Now Dyche (left) risks angering FA bosses who say criticism of officials ‘undermines the Premier League’
The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision as follows: ‘The referee awarded Everton a penalty for a foul by Dunk on Calvert-Lewin.
The VAR advised an on-field review as it ruled that Calvert-Lewin’s foot had landed on Dunk’s foot and there had been no infringement. The referee reversed the original decision and play restarted with a drop ball.’
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said it was ‘clear’ the original penalty was wrong and should have been overturned.