Richarlison of Everton tumbles under the challenge in the box from Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for the ball during the Premier League match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on November 07, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)(Image: Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Rafa Benitez and Antonio Conte clash over VAR ruled out Everton penalty

Everton manager Rafa Benitez and new Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte have their say after referee Chris Kavanagh changed his mind to award a penalty for a foul by Hugo Lloris on Richarlison

by · Liverpool Echo

'It doesn't matter' - Rafa Benitez and Antonio Conte clash over VAR ruled out Everton penalty

Rafa Benitez says Everton were denied a clear penalty in his side's 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur after VAR intervened and led to the referee changing his mind.

Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot when Richarlison was brought down by Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris, just past the hour mark at Goodison.

Everton were ready to take the penalty but Kavanagh was informed that a VAR check was taking place. He was then advised to check his pitchside screen to take a second look.

After watching replays, the referee decided to overturn his decision and hand possession back to Spurs.

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Benitez acknowledged that Lloris did touch the ball but said the goalkeeper still fouled Richarlison and Everton should have been given a penalty.

"For me, the penalty is given as a foul if it is in the middle of the pitch," Benitez said.

"It doesn't matter if [Hugo Lloris] touches the ball a little bit or not, Richarlison touches the ball after the keeper touches him.

"So if it's like that in the middle of the pitch, it's a foul so, in the box, it has to be a foul."

Spurs' new boss Antonio Conte disagreed with Benitez, saying that Kavanagh made the "right decision".

Benitez was, however, in agreement with Kavanagh over the sending off of Mason Holgate.

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Holgate was introduced on 82 minutes to replace Allan, who has been battling with flu this week, but lasted only 10 minutes before he was dismissed.

Kavanagh initially showed Holgate a yellow card for catching Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg but, after being advised to consult the screen again, upgraded it to a red card.

The Everton boss had no issue with the decision.

"With the red card, he clears the ball but after that his studs were very high, so it could be a red card, so I can't complain about that," he said.