Leeds–Everton VAR row: late penalty splits pundits
A late VAR-confirmed penalty for Leeds United after James Tarkowski’s handball sealed a 1–0 win over Everton at Elland Road.
The decisive 84th-minute spot-kick, converted by debutant Lukas Nmecha, reignited the Premier League debate around handball interpretation and VAR consistency following Leeds United vs Everton.
The key moment arrived when Anton Stach’s shot deflected onto Tarkowski’s arm; the referee awarded a penalty and VAR upheld the on-field decision after a check. Nmecha scored from the spot to give Leeds a winning start on their Premier League return.
Reaction was immediate and polarised. Everton manager David Moyes argued the call was harsh, while TV analysts were split: some backed the referee’s interpretation, others called it a “scandal”. The incident has become the day’s dominant talking point, with the handball law once again under scrutiny.
More broadly, the controversy underscores the ongoing grey areas in handball adjudication despite seasonal guidance tweaks. The league’s 2025/26 officiating notes outline specific VAR responsibilities on penalties, yet consistency remains the battleground—expect the episode to feature in forthcoming officiating reviews.
“Not a penalty… I can’t understand it.”
What it means: Leeds bank a high-energy opening win and valuable confidence; Everton stew over a decision that could shape early-season narratives until the next ‘Mic’d Up’ explains the process behind the call.
