Everton will surely feel hard done by after VAR ruled out a goal from Demarai Gray for a controversial offside decision which looks to have cost them a victory.
Following Tuesday night’s clash, the Toffees now sit 15th in the Premier League table after five games, still without a win and having drawn their last three. However, it could have been very different if not for a disputable VAR call which ruled out a possible winning goal.
During their 1-1 draw with Leeds United, Gray was denied a goal in the second half which would have put the Merseysiders 2-1 up after a slick pass from Anthony Gordon put him through before slotting past Illan Meslier.
Since the goal was chalked off, a picture has emerged online showing how close Gray was to being onside, with the Toffees ace appearing to be no worse than level with the last defender. However, the VAR graphic shows daylight between the Leeds defender’s trailing leg and Gray’s shoulder, which is ever so slightly ahead. See the picture below.
HOW?!? pic.twitter.com/NwLWEyMku5
— ?????? ?? (@ToffeeTVEFC) August 30, 2022
TIF Thoughts on the decision…
Everton fans and players have every right to feel hard done by with this decision which ultimately cost them all three points and a chance to get their first win of the 2022/23 league season under their belts.
As you can see in the picture, Gray’s body is onside, but the line for offside is being measured from his arm, which according to The FA’s Law 11, “The hands and arms of all players, including the goalkeepers, are not considered. For the purposes of determining offside, the upper boundary of the arm is in line with the bottom of the armpit.”
There is no denying that this is a very close call, but when you take into account the recent marginal decision to give Marcus Rashford a goal against Liverpool, it seems harsh to say that Gray was gaining an unfair advantage considering the position he was in and it could be argued this decision goes against the spirit of the game.
Should Gray's goal counted?Yes
No
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Everton should have been docked points for breaking ffp rules plus they cheated throughout the game in question, being called offside when offside is fair dues.