New Delhi: Manchester United’s 2024/25 season has been full of chaos, but if there’s one thing they don’t do, it’s boring football. Their latest Premier League game against Everton was another wild ride. After another slow first half, they found themselves 2-0 down at Goodison Park. But second-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte dragged them back into the game. Just when it seemed like they had salvaged a point, late drama took centre stage.
Everton were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after Ashley Young went down in the box under pressure from Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. Referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot, sparking furious protests from United players. But after a long VAR check and a pitchside review, the decision was overturned. Everton fans were left fuming, while United players celebrated the let-off. The controversy spread online, with opinions divided over whether the right call was made. So, why exactly was the penalty decision overturned?
Why did VAR overturn Ashley Young’s penalty?
The talking point of the game today. Was this a penalty? Ashley Young deserve a second yellow card for diving since it’s not a penalty. pic.twitter.com/SesRiTb4Yr
— Prince 👑 (@Princeutd1P) February 22, 2025
Young had thrown himself at a loose ball after Andre Onana saved Idrissa Gueye’s shot. As he tried to reach it, he tangled with Maguire and De Ligt before falling. Replays showed some contact: De Ligt appeared to briefly grab Young’s shirt, and Maguire also made contact. Referee Madley originally saw enough to give the penalty.
VAR then reviewed the decision and advised Madley to check the pitchside monitor. After looking at multiple replays, he decided there wasn’t enough contact to justify Young going down. The penalty was overturned, and play resumed with a drop ball.
Premier League rules for the 2024/25 season state that holding is only a foul if it’s “sustained and impactful” or “clearly stops an opponent from playing the ball.” In this case, Maguire’s contact was minimal, and while De Ligt’s hands were briefly on Young, it wasn’t clear that he stopped him from getting to the ball. Crucially, Young was not booked for diving, which suggests Madley simply thought he exaggerated the contact rather than deliberately trying to deceive the officials.
The decision split opinions. Everton fans and manager David Moyes argued that there was enough contact for the penalty to stand, while United supporters felt it was the right call. Some even suggested that Madley wasn’t shown all the available camera angles during his review. But in the end, VAR decided the initial penalty was a mistake, and the referee changed his mind.
Ashley Young won a stoppage-time penalty for Everton against Manchester United, but VAR overturned the decision after a pitchside review, ruling the contact from Maguire and De Ligt was not enough. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
