Frank Lampard believes the decision not to award Everton a penalty in their defeat to Manchester City is "incompetence at best".
The Toffees produced an excellent display as they attempted to hold the champions, only to see Phil Foden scored an opportunistic goal with eight minutes left.
Shortly afterwards though the hosts thought they should've been handed a penalty - and a lifeline back in to the game.
City midfielder Rodri went to chest the ball down in his own area, but it appeared to strike his arm, which was positioned away from his body.
Goodison Park erupted with appeals, led by the Everton players, and referee Paul Tierney was relying on VAR to make the call.
They stuck with the on field decision however, much to Lampard's anger.
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He told Sky Sports: "I was calm, I wasn’t shouting or ranting, I wanted to know if it was offside because it negates a penalty shout, but it wasn’t. It’s not offside in the build-up, isolate the penalty.
"The referee said he was on the other side of it, fine I get that, so go to VAR who have a minute and a half, two to look at it, to think Chris Kavanagh [VAR] hasn’t given a penalty, it strikes him on the arm - midway - strikes him in an unnatural position, I’ve got a three-year-old daughter at home who could tell you thats a penalty.
"I’m not being funny Geoff, I don’t mean to make light of it, we’re in a position where we’re fighting and City are fighting to win leagues so it’s crucial. "
Tierney, whose view of the incident was not the best, was not advised to consult the pitchside monitor, as is often the case.
The defeat leaves Everton firmly in a relegation scrap whilst City open up a six point gap at the top.
But in the aftermath Lampard, who was recently appointed on Merseyside, was seeking answers.
He added: "When you bring in a system that takes a minute or two to view the easiest penalty decision, easy, so many happy quickly arm there, there.
"I don’t know what has to happen for a reflection of that it’s a clear, clear… a mistake would be when you don’t have time to think about it but two minutes for a handball. Tell me why, tell me why.
"I can’t understand it [sending Tierney to the monitor] if the communication with VAR, the referee says’ give me a clearer understanding’, even if he says ‘I’m not sure if it is’ - it is - even if then go have a look, we’re both in the together you get the final shout you’re the referee.
"I don’t understand it, it’s incompetence at best. If not someone needs to explain what it is."
