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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Matt C Jones

Rio Ferdinand slams 'disgraceful' Everton VAR decision and wants Frank Lampard 'common sense'

Rio Ferdinand has added his voice to the growing number of those bemused by the officiating on Saturday at Goodison Park as Everton lost 1-0 to Manchester City.

Just a couple of minutes after Phil Foden had put City in front, the Toffees saw strong appeals for a penalty waved away.

During a VAR review, it appeared clear that Rodri had handled the ball in the box and a penalty appeared to be inevitable.

However, the inexplicable call was made to not award Everton the decision.

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City went on to win the game and extended their lead at the top of the table to six points while defeat left the Toffess in 17th spot.

Speaking on Vibe With Five, Ferdinand was staggered that referee Paul Tierney and VAR Chris Kavanagh came to the decision that they did.

"It was a disgrace," said the former Manchester United and England defender. "It was a disgrace.

"The Premier League have clarified that the VAR team didn't think there was conclusive evidence for handball, nothing to do with offsides on the day.

"How can you sit there and say that? That's why I get why Frank was like that in the interview after - I'm bemused to think how could anybody sit there and not even think that needs to be looked at? Let alone given!

"It's just - wow, man. I just don't understand it. He (Lampard) said his three-year-old daughter would have seen it, which is true."

Everton boss Lampard spoke candidly about the decision after the game, hammering the "incompetence" of the VAR.

Ferdinand suggest his former England team-mate should not be punished for his comments.

"If he gets fine it's a liberty," he said. "Because they should be looking at it and thinking, 'I can understand his frustration, let's let a bit of common sense prevail'. But they won't."

Everton made a formal complaint to the Premier League over that decision and refereeing in the team's recent matches overall.

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