Alan Shearer delivers his honest verdict on Everton’s VAR controversy in loss to Arsenal yesterday

Alan Shearer, a former Newcastle United legend, has shared his thoughts on the VAR controversy during Everton’s match against Arsenal, which has sparked a heated debate among fans and pundits alike. Despite Sean Dyche’s frustration over the decision, Shearer believes that referee Michael Oliver made the correct call.

During the match, Arsenal’s second goal was scored after the ball appeared to strike Gabriel Jesus’ arm, leading to debate over whether the goal should have stood. Shearer, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, commended Oliver for sticking with his original decision after reviewing the play on the monitor. He noted that while the ball did hit Jesus’ arm, it was not deliberate handball and his arm was tucked in, making it the correct decision.

However, many Everton fans and pundits have expressed frustration over the inconsistency of VAR decisions, with some feeling that the Toffees have been unfairly treated in similar situations. This incident has added fuel to the fire, with many calling for greater consistency in refereeing decisions.

Shearer’s opinion on the matter has sparked a mixed reaction, with some agreeing with his assessment and others feeling that he is too lenient. Some have pointed out that similar incidents have been ruled as handball in the past, and that this decision was inconsistent with previous ones.

The controversy has sparked a wider conversation about the need for greater consistency in refereeing decisions, with many calling for improvements in the Premier League’s refereeing department. The use of VAR has been a topic of debate all season, with some praising its ability to correct mistakes and others feeling that it has disrupted the flow of the game.

Despite the outcome of the match, the incident has highlighted the ongoing debate over the use of VAR in football. Many are calling for a re-evaluation of the system, with some suggesting that it needs to be more consistent and less invasive. Others feel that it is a necessary tool to ensure fairness in the game.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of referees in the game, with some feeling that they are not being held accountable for their mistakes. There have been several high-profile incidents this season where referees have made mistakes, and many feel that they are not being held to a high enough standard.

Overall, the VAR controversy during Everton’s match against Arsenal has sparked a heated debate about the use of technology in football and the need for greater consistency in refereeing decisions. It remains to be seen how the Premier League will respond to these concerns, but one thing is certain – the debate over VAR is far from over.