Premier League release statement after James Tarkowski offside controversy during Everton vs Brighton
The Premier League have confirmed why Beto’s late leveller for Everton against Brighton was allowed to stand despite James Tarkowski’s role in the strike.
Everton travelled to the south coast on Saturday hoping to continue their strong recent record at the Amex Stadium, with three wins in their previous four visits.
The two sides started the day in 13th and 10th respectively, and a tight game ensued before Brighton broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute through Pascal Gross.
He tucked Yasin Ayari’s cross home for his first goal since returning to the club, but it was not enough to take all three points as Everton striker Beto popped up with an equaliser deep into injury time.
Beto has been criticised by Everton fans this season, and so his strike had an air of retribution about it, but it could have been chalked off amid controversy around Tarkowski being stood in an offside position.
Premier League confirm that VAR cleared Tarkowski for interfering with play
The Toffees’ last gasp leveller came about as Jake O’Brien struck from James Garner’s cross, with Beto on hand to poke home after Bart Verbruggen had parried the initial shot.
Tarkowski was standing in an offside position and could have been deemed to be in the eyeline of the Seagulls stopper when O’Brien’s shot came in, but referee Chris Kavanagh saw nothing wrong and gave the goal.
The Premier League Match Centre have released a statement via X on the decision, stating that VAR checked and cleared the centre-back’s role in the goal.
They said: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Tarkowski did not impact the goalkeeper’s ability to save the ball while in an offside position.“
Beto could now stay at Everton despite being heavily linked away
It has certainly been a tough season for Beto at Everton, with his late strike being only his third goal in 26 appearances so far.
He has had to settle for a backup role behind summer signing Thierno Barry, with Roma reportedly eyeing a move for Beto ahead of January as a result of his struggles.
Football Insider revealed last week that Fiorentina and Como had registered their interest in Beto, with an exit possible before Monday’s deadline, but his latest exploits against Brighton could see David Moyes keep him on for the next few months.