They haven’t a clue’: 40-year-old Coach erupts into furious VAR rant following Everton v Luton…

In the context of the Hatters’ opening goal just before halftime, a series of contentious decisions unfolded, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the play. Vitaliy Mykolenko’s header, inadvertently finding its way into the net, raised eyebrows due to events leading up to the goal.

One pivotal moment involved Ross Barkley, a familiar face from his 13-year tenure at Goodison Park. In the sequence, Barkley appeared to forcefully shove Dominic Calvert-Lewin, thereby creating the space that allowed Mykolenko to face pressure and contribute to the own goal. The incident left Luton Town manager Joey Barton visibly enraged.

Barton, in expressing his discontent, took to social media, contending that Luton’s first goal against Everton should not have stood. He criticized both male and female commentators for missing crucial details, including the goalscorer and the infringement.

Barton also questioned the efficacy of VAR, emphasizing that it failed to intervene despite what he deemed a blatant push by Barkley.

The controversy hinges on the subjective nature of such decisions, but Barton presents a compelling argument. Analyzing the replay reveals Barkley’s calculated push on Calvert-Lewin, a move aimed at gaining an advantage for Luton Town. Barton’s frustration centers on the perceived failure of VAR to identify and rectify such clear-cut fouls.

Further scrutiny of the play highlights Barkley’s strategic forward movement, not towards the ball’s trajectory but to impede Everton’s striker. This act, involving two hands on Calvert-Lewin’s back, disrupted the defender’s attempt to head away the delivery, resulting in his fall.

The broader implication of Barton’s criticism extends to the role of VAR in the game. He contends that if VAR cannot identify and rectify such straightforward and blatant fouls, its continued presence in the Premier League and beyond becomes questionable.

The essence of VAR lies in its ability to spot and eliminate infringements, fostering a fairer atmosphere for the players, especially considering the caliber of talent in the league. The debate sparked by this incident underscores ongoing concerns about the effectiveness and reliability of VAR in shaping the integrity of football matches.