Gary Neville identifies VAR 'problem' after Liverpool penalty let-off vs Everton

Liverpool was given a let-off early in their Merseyside derby against Everton - and Gary Neville felt the reaction at Goodison Park underlined the “biggest problem” with VAR.

The Video Assistant Referee intervened to reach the right decision and reverse a penalty given to Everton for a foul by Alisson Becker on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Calvert-Lewin was brought down by the Liverpool goalkeeper as he skipped around him and looked to slot the ball into an empty net inside the first 10 minutes of the game.

But technology quickly showed that the Everton striker was offside from the long by Jack Harrison which set him free. As a result, the decision was overturned and Alisson’s yellow card was instantly rescinded.

While those watching on TV were left in no doubt that the right conclusion was reached, those in the stadium did not have the same luxury. As a result, Everton fans loudly booed the officials in the minutes that followed the decision - which Neville felt underlined the “problem” with the way Premier League games are now officiated.

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On co-commentary duty on Sky Sports, Neville declared: “I think that’s one problem with VAR. Well, there’s more than one problem with VAR, but the biggest problem is the lack of communication to the fans in the stadium.

“They can’t see that’s just a clear offside. They wouldn’t be booing, the Everton fans, if they were able to see that shot that we’ve obviously seen here.”

Just before the half an hour mark, Everton took the lead when Jarrad Branthwaite bundled the ball in after Liverpool failed to clear their lines. There was another lengthy VAR check before the goal was given after checking if any Everton players were offside in the build-up.

After a second wave of celebration from the home fans, Neville joked: “It’s great VAR, you get to celebrate twice!”

He then added: “The problem is that VAR they’re scared to death to make a wrong decision, so they’re taking so much time over things.”

Before the game, Neville had his say on the news Liverpool was in talks with Arne Slot over becoming the club's next manager. The Dutchman, currently at Feyenoord, looks increasingly likely to replace Jürgen Klopp with talks ongoing between the clubs.

"It'll be something that obviously has been driven by Michael Edwards and the team there in terms of sort of wanting a different type of approach," said Neville about the potential of Slot arriving at Anfield.

"Maybe that's why Michael Edwards left Liverpool all those years ago, because of the clash with Klopp and the personality challenge.

"Now he's got his own way and he's bringing in someone who he thinks is going to take Liverpool forward. We don't know how that's going to go: we've seen the post-Wenger career at Arsenal has been difficult, we've seen the post Sir Alex Ferguson career at Manchester United has been difficult. Klopp is massive in Liverpool so they've got to try and get that right."