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“That’s unacceptable”- Mark Clattenburg gives verdict on Everton penalty controversy in Fulham win
Clattenburg Questions VAR Review in Fulham’s Late Penalty Shout vs Everton
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has weighed in on the late-match controversy in Fulham’s 3-1 defeat to Everton, focusing not on the final decision but on the decision to send the referee to the VAR monitor in the first place.
The incident occurred deep in stoppage time when Adama Traoré’s cross appeared to strike the outstretched arm of Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko inside the penalty area.
Referee Darren England initially waved away Fulham’s appeals, but VAR official Michael Salisbury recommended an on-field review.
In a rare move, England stuck with his original decision after reviewing the footage, allowing Everton to see out the final moments and seal the win.
The Premier League’s match centre later clarified:
“VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty for a possible handball by Mykolenko and, noticing the arm was away from the body, recommended an on-field review.
Upon review, the referee determined Mykolenko’s arm position was justifiable due to the short distance and stuck with the no-penalty call.”
Clattenburg, speaking to Everton News, agreed with the final decision but questioned the review itself:
“There have been fewer than 10 handball penalties given all season. There’s a much stricter standard now. While Mykolenko’s arm is slightly out, he’s trying to move it away and the ball comes from very close range.”
He continued:
“What surprised me more is that a very experienced VAR like Michael Salisbury would recommend a review for something that isn’t a clear and obvious error.
We rarely see referees stick to their original call after going to the monitor, so England deserves credit — and in the end, the right decision was made.”
