Alan Shearer has branded the decision not to award Everton a penalty against Manchester City 'ridiculous' after the Blues suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the league leaders at Goodison Park.
Trailing by a single goal, Evertonians appealed on mass when City midfielder Rodri appeared to clearly control the ball with his arm in his own penalty area.
The incident was not spotted by referee Paul Tierney, but when it was referred for review by VAR it looked certain to be given as a penalty kick to Everton and a late chance to score an equaliser.
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But spectators inside the ground and also those watching on television at home were left stunned as VAR official Chris Kavanagh completed the review without recommending on-field official Tierney to look at the incident on the pitch side monitor, resulting in a crucial victory for City that deepened Everton's relegation troubles.
Speaking on Match of the Day on Saturday evening, former England striker Shearer said: "It's just a ridiculous decision.
"Mike Riley and some of his colleagues are having a terrible season with some of the decisions they are giving on VAR and that is one of them.
"I just can't get over how they can't get to that (correct) decision."
Shearer's thoughts were echoed by former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys, who was scathing of the officials and the VAR process.
After the game, Keys, who now anchors for beIN Sports, Tweeted: "That’s a disgrace. Why leave those decisions to VAR? That’s a pen a pen a pen all day long.
"How on earth is that not given? Go and take a look ref & make your own mind up - not be told by VAR - & we want to hear the conversation at the monitor."
