The Premier League explained why Leeds United were given a controversial penalty at the end of their victory over Everton. All eyes were on Elland Road on Monday night as newly promoted whites opened their campaign in style by asserting all three points. Lukas Nmecha scored the winner from the penalty spot and buried his efforts in the bottom corner.
It followed a controversial decision from referee Chris Kabana to award a spot kick of handball by Everton defender James Tarkowski. Leeds midfielder Anton Schuttuck fired a hopeful strike towards the goal, which took the deflection and hit Tarkowski’s arm. The latter was in the process of moving his arm behind his back to avoid contact with the ball.
Kabana’s initial decision to award a penalty was temporarily checked by the VAR, but the original call was supported. Nmecha stepped up and found the backstage of the net. Leeds held to secure a victory in the Premier League opener.
Shortly afterwards, X’s official Premier League Match Center account (formerly Twitter) posted a message explaining why the penalty was awarded.
“Tarkowski’s call for a penalty for handball has been checked and confirmed by Var.
Everton boss David Moyes was furious at the decision and saw the Scots rest their hands on the touchline. After the final whisper, he raided the pitch to confront Cabana about the penalty decision.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Moys said: “It’s hard to lose it because I think the goal is completely wrong and really tough. I went to the judge and spoke.
“Of course, unless someone pulls out any of these rules, you need a deflection, a ball unless you pull out any of these rules that it’s a penalty. I don’t know if Talki had to cut off his arm (as it’s not a penalty).
“It wasn’t like it was outside his body. It wasn’t as if he was doing something different, he just leaned in. It wasn’t a good week for me, I just saw some of their performances. Tonight, it was a bad decision.
“It may not have been a judge. I think VAR had the opportunity to properly and fair the decision, and I felt it wasn’t fair.
“The crowd was probably a bit scary (for the judgement). The crowd was so good and fought for everything. We can’t do anything about it now, but that’s a bad decision.”
For the latest broken stories and headlines, sign up for the Daily Express Transfer Newsletter.
