MusaEverton supporters have been given another reason to question Premier League refereeing after Fabian Schär’s controversial challenge on Thierno Barry during Monday night’s victory over Newcastle United attracted renewed attention.
Although David Moyes’ side eventually secured all three points at St James’ Park, one particular incident involving Newcastle defender Schär and Everton striker Barry has continued to generate debate, with questions being raised over referee John Brooks’ decision not to award a penalty.
Interestingly, the controversy has also brought Jamie Carragher’s recent comments about VAR back into the conversation, particularly after the Liverpool legend expressed his frustration with officials following a separate penalty incident involving Alexander Isak during Liverpool’s meeting with Arsenal.
Carragher’s criticism has provided an interesting reference point for Everton supporters who believe referees and VAR officials must be more consistent when assessing physical challenges inside the penalty area.
The Fabian Schär incident that left David Moyes furious
The controversial moment occurred around the 70th minute when Everton attempted to create another dangerous opportunity against Newcastle.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall found Merlin Röhl, who delivered a low cross into the penalty area in the direction of Barry.
However, Schär quickly reacted and launched himself into a sliding challenge, appearing to reach the ball before making contact with the Everton striker.
Barry went down following the collision, immediately prompting appeals from Everton players for a penalty.
Referee John Brooks was not convinced and allowed play to continue.
VAR subsequently checked the incident but did not recommend an intervention that changed the original decision.
Moyes was particularly unhappy with the outcome, protesting so strongly that he received a booking.
The Guardian’s live match reporter also questioned the decision, suggesting that Schär appeared to make contact with Barry before properly winning the ball.
For Everton supporters, it was a moment that deserved considerably more attention.
Why Jamie Carragher’s recent comments have become relevant
What makes the situation particularly interesting is Carragher’s recent criticism of VAR following Liverpool’s controversial penalty appeal against Arsenal.
During that match, Alexander Isak went down after Jurrien Timber appeared to pull him back inside the penalty area.
Carragher was unhappy that the officials failed to award Liverpool a penalty and questioned why a striker should have to exaggerate contact before receiving the protection of the laws.
The former Liverpool defender made his frustration clear, saying:
“One of the best goalscorers in the league is pulled back seven yards out and it stops him heading the ball. Why does he need to make a meal of it? VAR do your job.”
His argument was straightforward: officials should recognise punishable contact without expecting players to dramatically throw themselves to the ground.
Although Carragher was discussing a different incident, his comments raise an important question about consistency.
If a player does not need to exaggerate contact before officials consider awarding a penalty, should Barry’s challenge also be assessed carefully rather than dismissed simply because Schär appeared to touch the ball first?
That is precisely the debate Everton supporters are now having.
Everton supporters have every reason to demand consistency
Under IFAB Law 12, a defender can still commit a foul even after making contact with the ball.
A challenge can be punished if it is careless, reckless or involves excessive force.
Therefore, the argument that Schär reached the ball first does not automatically settle the matter.
The referee must consider the entire challenge, including the defender’s follow-through and the nature of the contact with the opponent.
This is where Brooks’ decision becomes controversial.
If the Newcastle defender’s follow-through was careless and brought Barry down unfairly, Everton could have had a legitimate penalty claim.
However, if the contact resulted from a fair and properly executed challenge, the referee was entitled to allow play to continue.
The available match coverage does not establish that Carragher has personally criticised this particular incident, but his recent comments about VAR provide a relevant standard against which supporters can question the decision.
John Brooks and VAR now at the centre of the debate
For Brooks and the VAR officials, the incident presented an important judgement call.
VAR is only permitted to intervene when there is a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident involving a potential penalty.
It is not designed to overturn every decision that generates disagreement.
Nevertheless, Everton supporters will argue that the footage deserved serious consideration because Barry appeared to suffer significant contact during Schär’s sliding challenge.
Moyes’ reaction demonstrated just how strongly Everton felt about the decision.
And although his team ultimately collected the victory, the controversy has not disappeared.
Carragher’s argument about officials doing their job without demanding exaggerated reactions from players is likely to resonate with supporters who want greater consistency in Premier League refereeing.
Musa
