Controversial red card mars FA Cup clash: Dominic Calvert-Lewin sent off in VARcical decision

Dominic Calvert-Lewin received his first red card in a FA Cup third-round match against Crystal Palace, a controversial decision involving VAR intervention. Initially, the referee did not detect foul play, but the VAR intervention was later deemed a farce. Despite the red card, Everton secured a goalless draw, despite the lack of quality football.

Zor

January 5, 2024

In a lackluster FA Cup third-round encounter at Selhurst Park, Dominic Calvert-Lewin experienced the first red card of his career in a VAR-induced controversy. The Everton forward was handed a straight red card in the 79th minute for a lunged tackle on Crystal Palace’s Nathaniel Clyne.

Initially, the match referee discerned no foul play, but VAR intervened promptly after Clyne theatrically rolled on the ground. Upon closer inspection in slow-motion, the tackle revealed only minimal contact with Clyne’s shin, leaving fans perplexed by the decision. Despite the red card setback, Everton, managed by Sean Dyche, managed to secure a goalless draw against Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace.

The match itself was characterized by a dearth of quality football, with neither side displaying the prowess deserving of a spot in the fourth round. The decision to send off Calvert-Lewin sparked widespread criticism on social media, with fans expressing frustration and labeling the VAR intervention as a farce.

Red card for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was just about to be substituted 🔴@Everton are down to 🔟 men. Do you agree with the decision?#ITVFootball | #CRYEVE | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/A8DQ6aBEWF

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 4, 2024