David Moyes insisted that referee Andy Madley was wrong to overturn an injury-time penalty for Everton as Manchester United’s last-ever visit to Goodison Park ended in controversy.
Madley pointed to the spot in the 93rd minute when former United player Ashley Young went crashing to the floor as he was challenged by Harry Maguire and Matthijs De Ligt.
However, Everton’s hopes of snatching a late victory were dashed when Madley reversed his decision after being advised to go the monitor by VAR official Matthew Donohue and the game ended 2-2.
‘I can’t understand. He (De Ligt) pulled his jersey,’ said Moyes. ‘I just thought the referee made the correct decision at the time and he should stick with it.
‘I think everybody who watches football we’re all looking forward to seeing a referee saying “no, no I’m sticking with it”.
‘If it’s absolutely clear and obvious that’s what we’ve got VAR for, but I didn’t think it needed to get involved.
David Moyes believes the referee was wrong to deny Everton a late penalty against Man United
Ashley Young appeared to be fouled in the penalty area by Harry Maguire or Matthijs de Ligt
Andy Madley was helped by the VAR and overturned his initial call to give Everton a spot-kick
‘It’s frustrating. It looked to me like the shirt pull needed to be given. You shouldn’t be getting away with pulling jerseys.
‘I thought he must have been pulled back or tripped up. It was only when I saw it on the screen when I came back in that I saw the pull on the jersey. Ash has been a forward player for most of his career and part of your job is to get penalties.’
Asked if he had spoken to Madley about the incident, Moyes replied: ‘No, I am too old to get involved and start fighting the world again!’
However, United head coach Ruben Amorim thought it was the correct outcome.
‘It was a little bit of a soft touch and we are in England, so you guys enjoy the physicality of the game,’ said Amorim.
‘I think it was clear to overturn the decision. If it was a penalty, it was tough on us.’
