According to the findings of the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel, Everton should have been awarded a penalty after a challenge between Thierno Barry and William Saliba in Arsenal's penalty area.

The five-member panel, which includes former referees and club representatives, voted by a 3-2 margin that referee Sam Barrott's decision not to award a penalty was an error.

The incident where Thierno Barry (in blue) was kicked in the leg during Everton's loss to Arsenal at Goodison Park, Liverpool, United Kingdom, on the evening of 20/12/2025. Image: screenshot

In the 58th minute, striker Barry was controlling the ball in the penalty area when Saliba swung his leg, striking Barry's boot and causing the Everton player to fall. Referee Barrott allowed play to continue, and video assistant referee (VAR) Michael Salisbury did not ask the referee to review the incident on the monitor. Everton was trailing 0-1 at that point, which also became the final score.

Three panel members deemed this a clear and obvious error, warranting VAR intervention. The remaining two members believed the contact was not forceful enough and Barry's reaction was delayed, thus supporting the referee's initial decision.

In addition to confirming the referee's error, the panel also voted by the same 3-2 margin that VAR failed in its duty. According to the findings, Salisbury should have advised Barrott to review the incident pitchside, rather than upholding the on-field decision.

Regarding this incident, coach David Moyes reacted strongly, stating he felt incensed upon seeing Fulham awarded a penalty in a similar situation just two days later. Moyes suggested Everton does not receive consistent treatment compared to other teams in the league.

"It feels like some clubs consistently benefit from such decisions, while we don't", Moyes said. "Virgil van Dijk committed a similar foul earlier this season and a penalty was awarded, but not for Saliba."

Arsenal defeated Everton with the only goal coming from a penalty scored by striker Viktor Gyokeres, after Jake O’Brien handled the ball in Everton's penalty area. Referee Barrott initially did not award a penalty and only changed his decision after a VAR review.

Everton's coach argued that the handball was clear enough for the referee and linesman to spot immediately on the field, without needing technology. He admitted he dislikes soft penalty decisions, but emphasized the importance of consistent refereeing.

Hoang An (via Daily Mail)