LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Match Referee, Andrew Madley is pictured consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to determine a penalty during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United FC at Goodison Park on February 22, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images). The decision to overturn the awarding of a stoppage time penalty to Everton against Manchester United has been described as ‘farcical’ by former Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Keith Hackett.. United looked to be heading for defeat at Goodison Park with the team 2-0 down with less than 20 minutes to play. However, Bruno Fernandes started the comeback with a free-kick, with Manuel Ugarte scoring the equaliser just eight minutes later.. As both teams pushed for the win, there was late drama when United thought that they had conceded a stoppage time penalty. Former United man Ashley Young went down in the box, prompting referee Andy Madley to point to the spot.. However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened and instructed the referee to take another look at the incident on the monitor. That led to the decision being overturned and a penalty not being awarded.. Hackett believes that VAR were wrong to get involved, and it led to the wrong decision being made.. “So Andy Madley, correctly in my opinion, awards a penalty kick for holding. So why has VAR got to intervene and then convince Madley to overturn his decision?” he told Football Insider.. “Come on guys you’re making decisions that are farcical, a correct decision overturned incorrectly, because of VAR intervention. Andy you’re better than this, tell the VAR to go and do one because you were correct in the first instance and you’ve now overturned a good decision and disallowed a penalty kick. You’re wrong.”. The 2-2 draw meant that both teams had to settle for a point from the game. It means that United remain in 15th position, having picked up 30 points from their 26 games so far this campaign.. Article continues below. They are next in action on Wednesday night when they take on Ipswich Town at Old Trafford. The Tractor Boys currently sit in 18th place in the table with 17 points, five points adrift of safety following their loss against Tottenham Hotspur.. Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.. –. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
