The Premier League have justified the ruling out of Jefferson Lerma’s goal during Crystal Palace’s encounter with Everton on Saturday, citing ‘no conclusive evidence’ due to inadequate camera angles at Selhurst Park. Lerma thought he’d notched a goal, but it was disallowed by the match official after the ball was deemed out of play.
The decision was supported by VAR, which couldn’t provide clear proof to overrule the referee’s judgment on the field. A statement clarified: “VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call of no goal due to the ball being out of play, with no conclusive evidence that the on-field decision was incorrect.”
The ruling sparked outrage among fans online. One fan expressed disbelief, commenting: “No way these are the only camera angles for VAR for this Lerma goal. Wow. This is absolutely awful and needs changing without a doubt.”
Another discontented follower remarked: “That Lerma goal being ruled out is a joke. From the (terrible) angles shown, I cannot see how that ball went out of play. What is the point of VAR in that instance if there is no proper angle to verify?”
A third detractor added: “What a joke no clear and obvious error but not clear if whole ball had gone out. What difference would it make anyhow. That’s a Lerma goal end of.”
Palace had several opportunities to go ahead in their match against Everton, but were thwarted by England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Ismaila Sarr also came close, smashing a shot off the crossbar. However, Everton capitalised late in the first half as Beto maintained his impressive form to score the opening goal.
Carlos Alcaraz intercepted a poor throw from Tyrique Mitchell intended for Lerma, setting up Beto who scored his fourth Premier League goal in three matches. Next week sees the Eagles back on the pitch as they head to Fulham, while Everton will face Manchester United.
