When Everton's Allan was sent off in the 83rd minute of Thursday night's fixture, Newcastle United seemed set to capitalise and return to winning ways. Given there were 14 minutes of added time due to the VAR delay as well as a long hold-up from a protestor tying himself to the goalpost, a man advantage presented a real opportunity for Eddie Howe's side.
Instead, it was Everton that won it as Alex Iwobi ran into the box to collect a pass from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and finish past Martin Dubravka. The Everton fans delighted not only in the victory - which was badly needed given their fight against relegation - but also due to the sense of injustice they felt at the red card being given to Allan.
Originally, the midfielder was shown a yellow card by Craig Pawson as he lunged in as Allan Saint-Maximin broke through the middle of the pitch. However, he was sent to the monitor by VAR Craig Pawson and after a short review of the footage, he changed his decision to a red card.
Read more: What the national media made of Newcastle's disappointment at Everton
However, Alan Shearer - who was on co-commentary duty for Amazon Prime - felt that the original decision was the correct one. He stated this during the game but he also mentioned it on social media afterwards as he quote tweeted a thread from ESPN editor Dale Johnson, who specialises in writing about VAR.
Johnson felt that VAR should not have intervened in this case, as the tackle was not bad enough to be considered a guaranteed red card and that the original punishment of a yellow card could have sufficed. Shearer agreed, saying: "Totally agree. Just wonder if they’re allowed when they go to the monitor to say - no I’m sticking to my decision and you’re wrong!?"
Following the red card, Everton absorbed pressure from Newcastle, without the away side really creating any major opportunities. Then Iwobi struck when Allan Saint-Maximin gave the ball away on the halfway line, causing jubilant scenes in Goodison Park.
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