Controversial VAR Decision: The Real Story behind Gabriel Martinelli's Disallowed Goal at Everton, According to Ref Watch Expert Dermot Gallagher

'VAR correctly disallows Martinelli goal'

FLASHPOINT: VAR controversially disallows Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli's first-half goal for offside during the Premier League match against Everton at Goodison Park.

Dermot argues that Eddie Nketiah was correctly deemed offside as he initially started in an offside position and then moved back. Gabriel's pass strikes Beto, and it is implausible to suggest that Beto intentionally played the ball back. Consequently, Nketiah remains in an offside position, and Martinelli capitalizes on the opportunity to score.

'Ref right not to give Doucoure penalty'

INCIDENT: The VAR makes the correct decision to disallow the goal. Upon closer examination of Beto's movement, we can observe that he rushes forward to pressure the opponent. However, the ball accidentally deflects off his shin due to its speed. Consequently, the ball reaches Nketiah, but it is evident that he is in an offside position. In my opinion, the referee's decision to disallow the goal is accurate.

'Ref right not to give Doucoure penalty'

INCIDENT: Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure is not awarded a penalty following the challenge from William Saliba.

DERMOT SAYS: "Not for me. He pushed the ball too far.

"There's a bit of contact but Saliba pulled his leg away. Not a penalty."

'Gusto didn't deserve penalty at Bournemouth'

INCIDENT: No penalty awarded to Chelsea's Malo Gusto following collision with Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly.

DERMOT SAYS: "I would have been extremely disappointed if a penalty had been given for this."

"It's minimal contact at best - and not in the penalty area."

'Ref must have been upset by what McBurnie said'

INCIDENT: Oli McBurnie given second yellow card for protesting at referee Peter Bankes.

DERMOT SAYS: "For a referee to send somebody off for something they've said to them, it can't have been something nice.

"It's not always what you say to a referee but how you say it.

"He's said something that he's found very upsetting."

'There is not enough to give Spurs a penalty'

INCIDENT: Chris Basham brings down James Maddison in the box, but Spurs are not awarded a penalty against Sheffield United.

DERMOT RESPONDS: "In my opinion, there was minimal contact. I'm not sure why he went down like that because the contact was made on his left ankle, but he seemed to throw himself to the ground on the right side.

"I don't believe it warrants a penalty. This season, they have emphasized that the contact must have a significant impact."

'Wilson blocked Flekken arm - right call'

INCIDENT: Callum Wilson goal disallowed for foul on Mark Flekken

DERMOT SAYS: "I thought the goalkeeper flapped at the ball but Callum Wilson actually blocks his arm.

'Some refs will give it, some won't'

INCIDENT: Brentford boss Thomas Frank demands an apology as Newcastle secures a second-half penalty at St James' Park, attributing it to a foul committed by Mark Flekken on Anthony Gordon.

Dermot remarks, "The referee, Craig Pawson, disagreed. It's intriguing because it took a considerable amount of time for the decision to be made, indicating that the assistant referee had signaled for it."

"From the assistant's perspective, it is apparent that he believed the goalkeeper extended his leg, causing Gordon to fall. Ultimately, it hinges on whether he believes the goalkeeper made contact with him."

"He does not get the ball, that is the only certainty. I think if you split referees, some will give it and some will not."

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