Everton boss David Moyes called the late penalty which gave Leeds victory at Elland Road ‘a really poor decision.’
Toffees skipper James Tarkowski blocked a shot from Anton Stach with his arm – which was down by his side – and after a VAR check referee Chris Kavanagh’s decision to award a penalty was confirmed.
Lukas Nmecha buried the spot kick to ensure three points for Leeds and cap a dismal display from Everton.
Moyes told the BBC: “I’m really disappointed and unless you cut the boy’s hand off, I don’t know where he goes. I don’t know if the crowd plays a part in it. They got right behind their team and Leeds played well and probably deserved the victory in fairness.
“I think it’s a really poor decision. VAR had a chance to undo it. They tried to say he was leaning to the ball. Surely you’re allowed to lean with your hands by your sides?
“I think that’s a really bad one for us. The referees haven’t had a great weekend.
“Leeds came out the blocks and we expected it. We changed at half-time and we were much better in the second half and if any team was going to win it, I thought it would be us.”
Tarkowski said that he was confident the on-field decision would be overturned but former Manchester United captain Gary Neville – and Jamie Carragher – were adamant it was a correct decision.
“James Tarkowski is the type of defender who thinks he should get in front of every single shot,” Neville said.
“The guilt was written all over Tarkowski’s face. He knows it is a penalty.
“Tarkowski moved his arm towards the ball. He leans into it and he blocks it. It is a penalty, and he knows what he has done. He knows it is a penalty.
“He knows that he has made a mistake.”
