Coventry VAR controversy: Three big calls in Everton defeat

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Coventry’s VAR controversy centred on two rejected penalty appeals and a disputed Thierno Barry goal as Frank Lampard’s side lost 3-1 at Everton on Friday 6 November.

Yann Gboho put the visitors ahead at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but Barry scored twice before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall completed the comeback. The decisions either side of Coventry’s opener provided a separate talking point.

James Tarkowski hair pull: no penalty awarded

The first incident involved James Tarkowski and Caleb Yirenkyi during the opening half. The Everton defender appeared to pull the Coventry midfielder’s hair while challenging for the ball.

Sky Sports reported that VAR checked and cleared the incident. Coventry received no penalty, and Tarkowski escaped punishment.

Why was the Awoniyi penalty appeal rejected?

Shortly after half-time, Taiwo Awoniyi went down under a challenge from Vitaliy Mykolenko as he approached the Everton penalty area.

The reported explanation was that contact occurred outside the box. The check therefore did not produce a penalty.

Thierno Barry handball check: why the goal stood

Coventry also appealed for handball when Barry bundled in Everton’s second goal.

According to Sky Sports, VAR found no conclusive camera angle showing that the striker had handled the ball. The goal stood, putting Everton ahead after Gboho’s opener.

Gboho’s breakthrough ends in defeat

Gboho’s goal was his first for Coventry on only his second league appearance, as the Press Association match report noted.

Coventry held that advantage for four minutes before Barry headed Mykolenko’s cross past Carl Rushworth. His second completed the turnaround, and Dewsbury-Hall’s late finish ended hopes of a recovery.

Analysis: The disputed decisions deserve scrutiny, but Coventry’s review must also address how quickly their lead disappeared. Taking the lead away from home offered encouragement; protecting it remains the frustration.

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