Premier League Addresses Controversial Disallowed Goal in Everton’s Loss

The Premier League has issued a statement clarifying a controversial incident during Everton’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United on November 29, 2025. The match, held at Hill Dickinson Stadium, saw Everton fall behind by three goals by halftime, with Newcastle dominating the encounter.

Malick Thiaw initiated the scoring just minutes into the game, followed by goals from Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade. Thiaw added another goal shortly after the break, further compounding the woes of Everton manager David Moyes. Although Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall managed to score for Everton, it was not enough to change the outcome of a lopsided match.

VAR Intervenes: Disallowed Goal for Everton

A significant moment during the match occurred when Everton’s Thierno Barry believed he had scored a goal shortly before Dewsbury-Hall’s effort. Barry, who had impressed in a recent match against Manchester United, found the net from close range. However, his celebrations were short-lived as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened.

The Premier League confirmed via their Match Centre account on X that the original goal decision was overturned following a VAR review. The statement read: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Everton.” Referee Craig Pawson communicated the decision to those in attendance, stating that Barry had committed an accidental handball prior to scoring.

Match Statistics Highlight Newcastle’s Dominance

The match statistics reflect Newcastle’s commanding performance. Despite predictions of a competitive fixture, the scoreline revealed a clear disparity. Newcastle registered a total of 13 shots, with 8 on target, compared to Everton’s 10 shots and only 2 on target. The Magpies held a slight edge in possession, securing 51.2 percent of the ball.

This defeat marks a stark contrast for Everton, who had recently achieved their best result of the season. Moyes will likely be relieved that his team has a quick turnaround, with a match against Bournemouth scheduled for the following Tuesday.

The Premier League’s clarification of the disallowed goal serves as a reminder of the increasing role of technology in officiating. With VAR continuing to shape the landscape of modern football, teams and fans alike are left to grapple with its implications on the game.