Micah Richards admits Manchester City were fortunate to be handed a VAR reprieve during their Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday afternoon.
A late winner from England sensation Phil Foden settled the scores at Goodison Park as Pep Guardiola and his star-studded team returned to winning ways.
City were beaten in their last Premier League fixture by a Harry Kane-inspired Tottenham.
That result blew this season's title race wide open.
Heading into the Everton game three points clear of second-placed Liverpool, the Premier League champions are now six points ahead and Jurgen Klopp's men have other items on the agenda this weekend.
Indeed, they are set for a Carabao Cup final meeting with Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.
Foden opened the scoring for City against Everton after 81 minutes - but there was further drama to come as VAR ruled out a penalty shout for handball against Rodri.
It's a controversial decision which has been met with universal disapproval on both halves of Merseyside.
Speaking on Sky Sports, pundit Richards said: "It's just ridiculous. We've talked about VAR and of late they've got so many things right, but today they've got it wrong and it's cost Everton dearly.
"It's costing everyone, it's costing everyone in the Premier League. But today, forget Liverpool for a minute, Everton need to stay up, get a penalty and enhance their chances.
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"Because everyone's said they don't like VAR, when it happens if it's not done really quick and it takes them three or four or five minutes, everyone's talking about it instead of taking the time, making the right decision and moving on.
"What excuse did they come up with? How can that not be clear enough evidence?"
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