Head Premier League referee apologises to Everton for wrong VAR decision against Man City
Penalty claims were dismissed after a clear handball from City midfielder Rodri
The head of referees at the Premier League, Mike Riley, has apologised to Everton for a wrong VAR decision in their game against Manchester City at the weekend.
Official Paul Tierney dismissed their claims for a penalty despite a clear handball by City midfielder Rodri.
The incident, which would have gone in Everton's favour shortly after Manchester City took A 1-0 lead with eight minutes to go, has been at the centre of controversy within the world of football over the weekend.
Riley has said sorry in a phone call to manager Frank Lampard and chairman Bill Kenwright.
Following the incident, a furious Everton manager Frank Lampard blasted VAR official Chris Kavanagh as "incompetent at best" and a "professional who cannot do his job right" after his side were denied the late penalty.
"There is no doubt, there is no probably to it," said Lampard on whether his side should have been awarded a spot-kick.
"The decision is incredible, incredible, and that loses us the opportunity to get what we deserved.
"That's a VAR call. That's Chris Kavanagh, I spoke to the referee and they know it is a penalty, the question is that is it offside and it wasn't. That's the reason we have VAR.
"We've lost a point because of a professional who cannot do his job right.
"You start searching for whys and I can't think why. It is so incompetent to get it wrong.
"Pep will know, Everton fans will know, Man City fans will know, it was the clearest penalty you could give: arm is out - great, below the sleeve - great, I was waiting for the penalty."
It is expected that Lampard's comments will almost inevitably attract the attention of the Football Association, who take a dim view of managers criticising the integrity of officials.
Tough run of games for the Toffees
Everton currently sit in 17th place with only 22 points gathered so far from the entire season.
The Toffees are just one point away from relegation rivals Burnley, who have gone undefeated in their last three games.
With up-coming games against Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United, the road to stay within the top division is looking challenging for Lampard's side.
Meanwhile, City sit six points ahead of recent Carabao Cup winners Liverpool.
Everton History:
Everton F.C was founded in 1878 and is the second-longest continuous serving club in English top flight football.
The Toffees have played at Goodison since 1892. Before playing at Goodison, Everton used to play at Anfield - where Liverpool F.C now play.
Everton have won nine First Division trophies, one Second Division trophy, five FA Cups, nine FA Charity Shields and one European Cup.
Their last major trophy was an FA Cup win in 1995 (pictured).
One of the Blues' most successful periods was in the 1980's, when they won two of their league titles, an FA Cup and in 1984/85 they won their only European Cup.
Dixie Dean is Everton's top goal scorer, scoring 383 goals in his 433 appearances. Dean played for Everton from 1924 to 1937.
Goal keeper Neville Southall has made the most appearances for The Toffees, playing for them 751 times from 1981 to 1997.
Everton have remained in top flight football for all but four of their seasons. They are third in the all time points ranking for British top-flight football.
Manchester City history:
Manchester City F.C was founded in 1880, originally going by the name of St Mark's (West Gorton). This name changed to Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887, before changing to Manchester City F.C in 1894.
Manchester City play at the Etihad Stadium and have played here since 2003. Before moving ground, the blues were playing on Marine Road from the year 1923.
Manchester City have won 7 First Division/Premier League titles, 7 Second Division/Championship titles, 6 FA Cups, 6 FA Community Shields, 8 EFL Cups and 1 UEFA Cup.
The clubs top goal scorer is Sergio Aguero, who scored 260 goals in his 390 appearances.
The side had a successful period in the 1960's and 1970's, winning two of their FA Community Shields and EFL cups, an FA Cup and a League title, as well as their only European cup.
In 1996 Manchester City were relegated to Division One, and were then relegated further to the countries third tier league in 1998. The side regained Premier League status by 2002 and have not been relegated since.
In 2008 Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan tookover Manchester City through the Abu Dhabi United Group. The ÂŁ81.6 million offer gave Sheikh Mansour a 75% share of the club.
Since their takeover, Manchester City have won 5 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, 6 EFL Cups and 3 FA Community Shields. In 2019 they became their first English side to win a domestic treble (League, FA Cup and EFL Cup).