WELCOME TO KTNBIO

Manchester United narrowly avoided conceding a controversial late penalty in their 2-2 draw against Everton, with former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slamming the VAR decision as “embarrassing.”

Everton appeared in control, leading 2-0 at Goodison Park, before second-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and summer signing Manuel Ugarte brought United level.

However, late drama unfolded when Ashley Young went down in the box under challenges from Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. Referee Andy Madley immediately pointed to the spot, seemingly convinced it was a foul.

Yet, VAR intervened, sending Madley to the pitchside monitor. After reviewing the footage, he controversially overturned his decision, deeming it not a penalty. The incident sparked debate, with replays showing Young being caught by both defenders.

While the Everton veteran exaggerated his fall, the notion that Madley made a “clear and obvious” mistake was questionable.

Halsey believes VAR let Madley down by not showing him all the necessary angles, particularly a behind-the-goal view that clearly displayed De Ligt pulling Young’s shirt.

“The decision to overturn the penalty was completely wrong,” Halsey told The Sun. “VAR should not have interfered, as Madley’s initial call was not a clear and obvious error.

The footage he reviewed did not include the angle showing De Ligt’s shirt pull. Had he seen that, a penalty would have been awarded. The entire incident was embarrassing.”

Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen echoed Halsey’s sentiments, arguing that the referee was given an incomplete picture.

“They didn’t show him the right angle,” Owen said on Premier League Productions. “From the side-on view, it looks like a dive, so I don’t blame the referee for overturning it. But if he had seen the behind-the-goal angle, he would have spotted the shirt pull. VAR failed him by not providing all the necessary angles.”

Everton boss David Moyes was equally baffled by the decision.

“[De Ligt] pulled his jersey. I thought the referee made the right call initially and should have stuck with it,” Moyes said. “Everyone wants to see a referee stand by their decision. VAR should only intervene for clear and obvious mistakes, and this wasn’t one.”

The controversy has reignited debates over VAR’s role in officiating, with many questioning whether technology is helping or hindering the game.