(Reuters) – Everton’s manager Sean Dyche has criticized the use of VAR screens in football matches, saying it is a “farce” because referees never seem to go against the review system.
During the match against Manchester United on Sunday, Everton were behind 1-0 when United’s Anthony Martial was awarded a penalty after going down in the box following a challenge from Ashley Young. Referee John Brooks initially booked Martial for simulation but changed his decision after reviewing a replay of the incident.
Marcus Rashford then scored from the spot, doubling United’s lead before they went on to secure a 3-0 victory.
“The screen thing is a farce,” Dyche told reporters. “Everyone’s talking about speeding the game up. And they go over to the screen and we all know what the outcome is.”
He added, “Good or bad decisions, just get on with it. Just call it, get on with the decision and we’ll all move on. Why are they standing there staring at it? I haven’t seen a referee overturn one yet.”
It was also Everton’s first match after being handed a 10-point deduction for breaching Premier League profitability and sustainability rules, causing them to drop into the relegation zone in 19th place.
“It’s currently a fact until they appeal, so therefore the mentality’s got to be right,” Dyche said, addressing the impact of the deduction on the team’s performance.
“We kept trying to get something from the game. Of course it’s very difficult when the second and the third go in. But the mentality, we hit the bar, we kept creating chances.”
Dyche also praised the fans, saying, “Fans were terrific. They are having their own say in what’s going on. That connection with our fans is going to be really important going forward.”
Next, Everton is set to visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
