adminFollowing widespread backlash over the VAR handling of Sunday’s heated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, Premier League referee Chris Kavanagh has been forced to release an official clarification. The 40-year-old official became the focus of intense scrutiny after two early flashpoints left Everton supporters furious and pundits questioning the technology’s reliability.
Early in the match, Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall appeared to be pushed inside the Liverpool box by Curtis Jones. Replays indicated a clear shove from the wrong side, but referee Kavanagh dismissed the appeals—and a routine VAR check never properly took place. In a statement issued via the PGMOL on Monday morning, Kavanagh revealed that a technical “cut short” in communication with the Stockley Park VAR room occurred in the opening minutes. He claimed the brief audio disruption prevented the video assistant from conducting a timely, thorough review of the penalty incident.
“Due to an unforeseen interruption in the comms link shortly after kick-off, the standard protocol for immediate VAR intervention on the Dewsbury-Hall challenge was not followed,” Kavanagh wrote. “This was regrettable and not reflective of the high standards we set.”
The admission stands in stark contrast to a later offside call involving a Liverpool goal, which Kavanagh described as “crystal clear” on the lines and requiring no lengthy VAR deliberation. He maintained that the offside flag was correctly raised and the goal correctly disallowed, highlighting what he called a straightforward use of technology elsewhere in the match.
The clarification has reignited debate over VAR’s consistency. Everton manager David Moyes, visibly incensed on the touchline at the time, welcomed the referee’s transparency but demanded “full accountability” from officials. Liverpool have not commented.
With the Premier League already under pressure over refereeing standards, Kavanagh’s rare public explanation has only amplified calls for improved audio systems and greater transparency between on-field officials and VAR. The incident serves as yet another reminder that, even in the age of technology, human and technical failings can still shape the outcome of a high-stakes derby.
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