The Controversy of VAR Strikes Again: Everton's Premier League Unpredictability
Harking back to football's inherent unpredictability, Everton's Premier League opening match against newly-promoted Leeds United concluded with a whirl of controversy. This left spectators and sportsmen alike questioning, yet again, the role of VAR in today's football environment.
Rendering the game at a standstill until the 82nd minute, a disputed handball decision against Everton's renowned defender, James Tarkowski became the basis for a penalty. Lukas Nmecha of Leeds United skilfully converted this penalty into a 1-0 victory, bringing untold joy to fans of the rising team. (https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/nmecha-penalty-gets-leeds-up-running-premier-league-return-2025-08-18/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/nmecha-penalty-gets-leeds-up-running-premier-league-return-2025-08-18/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">reuters.com)
Tarkowski's Anguish: The Eye of Storm
At the heart of the storm was Tarkowski, acknowledged for his impeccable defensive skills. As he sought to block a shot, the ball hit his upper arm regardless of his close body positioning. Despite these circumstances, referee Chris Kavanagh pronounced a penalty—a verdict upheld by VAR. Expressing surprise and displeasure, Tarkowski said, "As soon as the ref blew, I was confident it would be overturned... My arm was by my side, which it was, is it a penalty, to which he said no." (https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/james-tarkowski-moyes-var-handball-b1243503.html?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/james-tarkowski-moyes-var-handball-b1243503.html?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">standard.co.uk)
Managerial Outrage: David Moyes' Reaction
David Moyes, Everton's manager, reiterated his defender's sentiments, expressing his dissatisfaction over the verdict vented as "really harsh." Commenting cynically on the incident, he said, "I spoke to the referee. They seem to think that because you lean, your arms can go away... I don't know where Tarky would have had to get his arm chopped off." (https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/premier-league/2025-2026/james-tarkowski-would-have-to-get-his-arm-chopped-off-to-avoid-harsh-penalty-against-leeds-united-says-everton-boss-david-moyes_sto23212496/story.shtml?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/premier-league/2025-2026/james-tarkowski-would-have-to-get-his-arm-chopped-off-to-avoid-harsh-penalty-against-leeds-united-says-everton-boss-david-moyes_sto23212496/story.shtml?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">tntsports.co.uk)
This incident marks another association of Tarkowski with VAR controversy. Previously, in a Merseyside derby, his challenge on Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister was only flagged a yellow card offence. Nonetheless, The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) subsequently accepted that Tarkowski should have been expelled for severe foul play. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cr5dm1gny9ro?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cr5dm1gny9ro?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">bbc.co.uk)
The Role of VAR: A Question of Consistency and Effectiveness
The regular manifestation of such disputed decisions instigates debates on the consistency and effectiveness of VAR. As technology strives to eradicate human error, its deployment often ignites further misunderstanding and debate. For teams like Everton, the implications of such decisions are tangible, deciding their league positioning and team morale.
As the football season progresses, the limelight will invariably persist on VAR's role. For players like Tarkowski and managers like Moyes, the task not only encompasses overcoming the physical challenges of the Premier League but also coping with the capricious nature of refereeing decisions.
Ultimately, football's allure resides in its unpredictability. Nonetheless, when technology designed to bring clarity instead breeds uncertainty, it calls for a reconsideration of its function in the sport.