Everton were left frustrated by another controversial VAR decision on Sunday after Brennan Johnson’s goal against Hull City was overturned for offside during their Premier League encounter at the MKM Stadium.
David Moyes’ side travelled to Humberside hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the league campaign, having collected two victories and three draws from their opening five matches.
The Toffees had entered the international break encouraged by a narrow 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town, although that result was overshadowed by controversy after Thierno Barry had another goal ruled out.
Johnson subsequently found himself at the centre of another offside debate when Everton appeared to have taken the lead against Hull.
The incident occurred just over 30 minutes into the contest when Jarrad Branthwaite delivered a cross into the Hull penalty area, creating confusion as goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis struggled to deal with the ball under pressure from Barry.
Harrison Armstrong reacted quickly to the loose ball and unleashed a shot towards goal. However, Hull defender Nobel Mendy blocked the attempt before Ryan Giles tried to clear the danger.
Giles’ clearance struck Johnson and deflected into the net, prompting the Welsh forward to celebrate what appeared to be the opening goal.
However, the celebrations were short-lived as referee Michael Salisbury was instructed to review the incident on the pitchside monitor following a VAR intervention.
Replays showed that Johnson was in an offside position when Armstrong’s initial effort was taken. He was subsequently judged to have interfered with an opponent after attempting to play the ball following Mendy’s block.
After reviewing the footage, Salisbury overturned his original decision to award the goal, leaving Everton disappointed once again.
The Premier League Match Centre explained that the goal had been disallowed because Johnson was offside and was considered to be challenging an opponent for the ball.
Salisbury also communicated his decision to spectators inside the MKM Stadium, confirming that Everton’s No. 22 had been in an offside position and had challenged Hull defender Giles.
Former Premier League official Darren Cann supported the decision, describing the VAR intervention as excellent and correct.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Cann explained that Johnson was offside when Armstrong’s shot was taken and subsequently interfered with Giles’ ability to deal with the ball.
He also praised VAR official Tim Wood for recommending that Salisbury consult the pitchside monitor, explaining that the incident required a subjective judgement rather than a straightforward factual offside decision.
Following the disallowed goal, Hull took advantage in the second half when Joe Gelhardt broke the deadlock.
Everton responded seven minutes later, however, as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall found the net to bring Moyes’ side back into the contest and restore parity.
VAR CONTROVERSY ERUPTS as Brennan Johnson’s Goal Against Hull Is Ruled Out – Everton Fans Left Fuming Over Shocking Decision
