
Football
Share
Published 19:30 16 May 2026 BST
Updated 13:51 28 Sept 2026 BST

The Premier League's latest review into VAR errors has revealed a mistake was made in a recent match that could well have changed the shape of this season's title race between Arsenal and Manchester City.
At regular intervals throughout the season, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel meet to discuss controversial refereeing decisions made during matches.
The KMI panel is made up of former players, coaches, and representatives from the Premier League and Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), who meet weekly to discuss decisions made the previous week, and conclude as and where errors are made.
It's important to note that while the KMI panel has admitted to officials making other "on-field" mistakes, not all of these were "clear and obvious" to justify the intervention of VAR.
Reports on findings of the KMI panel are reported on first by BBC Sport football issues correspondent Dale Johnson.
Best UK betting offers right now - 18+, BeGambleAware
Following their most recent meeting, the KMI panel ruled that Everton should have been awarded a penalty during the recent 3-3 draw with Manchester City.
While the match was 3-2 to the Toffees, during a corner, Bernardo Silva appeared to hold back Merlin Rohl.
The incident was not seen by on-field official Michael Oliver and VAR did not call for a review.
According to BBC Sport: "The VAR Paul Howard decided the holding had taken place before the corner was taken, so he could not intervene to award a penalty."
The KMI panel agreed unanimously that this was a mistake, releasing the following statement: "There is a clear, sustained holding offence which continues as the corner is taken and the ball comes into play."
Although immediately of interest to Everton, the refereeing and VAR error had major ramifications for the Premier League title race.
Man City later went on to equalise, and gain a point from the match, which is of no help now to those who used that day's football betting odds to place a wager on an Everton win.
However, had Everton been awarded and scored the penalty, they would have gone 4-2 up and likely won.
With that point, Pep Guardiola's side are just two points away from Arsenal, meaning that if the Gunners drop points over their final two games, Man City have a good chance of overtaking them.
This would not be the case, had Everton won that game.
Explore more on these topics:
Football

Shock Russell Martin to Man Utd talks revealed with Leicester boss ‘spoken highly of’
Reports have surfaced today. Manchester United’s director of football Jason Wilcox hoped to reunite with his old gaffer Russell Martin at Carrington, reports today have revealed. In 2024, Wilcox suggested The Red Devils chiefs appoint Martin, having previously worked with him at Southampton. Wilcox originally hired Martin at the South Coast club, where they then […]
Football
21h
This mid-table Premier League teams quiz is for geniuses only
A real hard one! Our latest Premier League quiz will really separate the best from the rest. You know all the big team to have played in the Premier League, and even a lot of the weaker, relegated sides. But how well do you know the middle-of-the-road teams? Well, now is your chance to find […]
Football
1 day ago
Man United make decision on sacking Michael Carrick
Football