Premier League explain VAR penalty in Leeds vs Everton as David Moyes storms onto pitch

The Premier League have explained why Leeds United were given a controversial penalty in the closing stages of their victory over Everton. All eyes were on Elland Road on Monday night as the newly-promoted Whites opened their campaign in style by claiming all three points. Lukas Nmecha scored the winner from the penalty spot, burying his effort right in the bottom corner.

It followed a controversial decision from referee Chris Kavanagh to award the spot-kick for a handball by Everton defender James Tarkowski. Leeds midfielder Anton Stach fired a hopeful strike towards goal, which took a deflection and struck Tarkowski's arm. The latter was in the process of moving his arm behind his back in a bid to avoid contact with the ball.

Kavanagh's initial decision to award a penalty was briefly checked by VAR, but the original call was upheld. Nmecha stepped up and found the back of the net, with Leeds holding on to secure victory in their Premier League opener.

Shortly afterwards, the official Premier League Match Centre account on X (formerly Twitter) posted a message to explain why the penalty was given.

It read: "The referee's call of penalty for handball by Tarkowski was checked and confirmed by VAR - with it deemed that he leaned into the ball with his arm."

Everton boss David Moyes was left incensed by the decision, with the Scot seen putting his hands on his head on the touchline. After the final whistle, he stormed onto the pitch to confront Kavanagh about the penalty decision.

In his post-match interview with Sky Sports, Moyes said: "I think the goal is completely wrong and really harsh, so it's difficult to lose on that. I went and spoke to the referee and they seem to think that because you lean, your arms can go away.

"Of course you're allowed to lean in football, unless somebody pulls out one of these rules that when you lean it's a penalty. It took a deflection, the ball. I don't know whether Tarky would have had to have his arm chopped off [for it not to be a penalty].

"It wasn't as if it was outside his body. It wasn't as if he was doing anything different, he just leaned across. It's not been a good week for me, I've only seen the referees and some of their performances. Tonight, it was a poor decision.

"It might not have been the referee, I think VAR had the chance to get that decision right and fair and I felt as though it wasn't fair.

"The crowd probably were the ones who were a bit intimidating [for the referee]. The crowd were very good and fighting for everything. We can't do anything about it now but it's a poor decision."

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