Premier League Clarifies Decision to Reject Everton Penalty Claim After Arsenal VAR Drama

The Premier League has been forced to step in and explain itself after Everton were left furious by a controversial VAR decision that went against them in their clash with Arsenal.

At the centre of the storm was William Saliba, whose challenge on Thierno Barry inside the penalty area was waved away by the referee — and later backed by VAR — much to the anger of the Goodison Park crowd.

The flashpoint arrived just before the hour mark in Saturday night’s Premier League contest. Both players went for a bouncing ball on the edge of the Arsenal box, but replays appeared to show Saliba kicking Barry’s foot as the Everton forward tried to control possession.

Barry immediately went down holding his foot and appealing for a penalty, while Everton players surrounded referee Samuel Barrott demanding a spot-kick. The home crowd roared in disbelief when play was allowed to continue.

Even Jack Grealish, watching from close range, was seen questioning the decision as frustration boiled over inside the stadium.

VAR backs referee as Everton anger grows

Despite strong protests, VAR official Michael Salisbury checked the incident and decided there was no clear and obvious error. That verdict only poured fuel on the fire.

Shortly after the game, the Premier League Match Centre released a statement explaining the decision.

“The referee’s call of no penalty to Everton was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed the contact from Saliba on Barry wasn’t sufficient for a penalty.”

That explanation did little to calm Everton supporters, many of whom felt the contact was obvious and decisive. From their point of view, if the same challenge had happened anywhere else on the pitch, it would almost certainly have resulted in a free-kick.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith agreed that Saliba was fortunate to escape punishment.

Speaking on Sky Sports commentary, Smith said:

“He’s a little fortunate. He did kick Barry’s foot. It happens so often. One player gets there first and the other kicks their foot.”

His words echoed what many Everton fans were thinking — that VAR once again failed to apply consistency.

Moyes furious as Arsenal benefit again

Everton manager David Moyes was clearly unimpressed on the touchline. Cameras caught him remonstrating angrily with the fourth official as the game went on, still visibly upset by the decision.

What made the situation even harder to swallow for Everton was the fact that Arsenal had already benefited from a VAR call earlier in the match.

In the 27th minute, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after VAR intervened to penalise Everton defender Jake O’Brien for handball while defending a corner. O’Brien was judged to have handled the ball with both hands inside the area.

Referee Barrott was sent to the pitchside monitor, reviewed the footage, and overturned his original decision.

The Premier League Match Centre confirmed:

“After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Arsenal. Referee announcement: ‘After review, Everton No.15 commits a handball offence. My final decision will be penalty kick.’”

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give the Gunners a 1-0 lead.

Two VAR calls, one big talking point

By the time Saliba escaped punishment in the second half, Everton felt they were fighting not just Arsenal, but the officials as well. From their perspective, one VAR call went against them, while another went firmly in Arsenal’s favour.

The frustration was clear among the players, staff, and supporters, who felt the two decisions lacked balance and fairness.

For Arsenal, it was a moment of relief. Saliba’s calm defending has been a key part of their season, and avoiding a penalty — which could have changed the game — proved crucial.

For Everton, it was another painful example of fine margins going against them in big matches. In a tight Premier League season, decisions like these can have lasting consequences.

VAR debate refuses to go away

Once again, VAR has dominated the headlines instead of the football. While officials insist the system is working as intended, moments like this continue to divide fans, players, and pundits.

Everton will feel they were denied a clear chance to get back into the game, while Arsenal will argue that the officials followed the rules as they saw them.

What is certain is that the debate over consistency, contact, and interpretation will rage on — and this incident involving Saliba and Barry will be replayed and discussed for weeks to come.

For now, Everton are left with frustration and unanswered questions, while Arsenal walk away knowing they survived a major scare — thanks in no small part to a VAR decision that went their way.