Everton vs Manchester United: Premier League confirm why VAR ruled out Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal

Sigurdsson judged to be interfering with play despite moving out of shot's path

Manchester United protest against Dominic Calvert-Lewin's late goal (Getty Images)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late goal for Everton against Manchester United was disallowed as Gylfi Sigurdsson was considered to be offside and interfering with play, the Premier League has confirmed.

Calvert-Lewin believed he had taken all three points for his side at Goodison Park when his stoppage-time shot deflected off Harry Maguire and beat United goalkeeper David de Gea.

Sigurdsson was sat on the ground in front of De Gea in an offside position as the ball moved towards goal and had to move his legs out of its path in order to avoid blocking the shot and being flagged.

Referee Chris Kavanagh did not penalise Sigurdsson and initially awarded the goal, only for his decision to be overturned by a VAR review.

Carlo Ancelotti, the Everton manager, protested against the decision after the final whistle and was shown a red card by Kavanagh.

The Premier League has now confirmed that Sigurdsson was considered to be interfering with play by VAR and that his position impeded De Gea‘s ability to save Calvert-Lewin’s shot.

“The VAR advised the referee that Sigurdsson was in an offside position directly in the line of vision of David de Gea and made an obvious action that impacted De Gea’s ability to make a save,” a statement said.

Despite his protests to the officials, Ancelotti admitted that it was a difficult decision for Kavanagh, his assistants and VAR to make.

“I think they check the position of Gylfi, it was offside but in our opinion it didn’t affect the vision of the goalkeeper. In their opinion it affect the vision,” he said.

On his red card, the Italian added: “I asked for an explanation after the game. There was a misunderstanding on the pitch, he sent me off.

“After that I spoke with him calmly in the dressing room. I want to keep the conversation private and he will make a report for the FA.

“I didn’t misrespect him but I can understand the end of the game was really exciting. It can happen but we will see if I am banned.”