Premier League forced to issue statement after Christian Norgaard red card against Everton

Brentford were reduced to 10 men after an intervention by VAR worked in Everton’s favour.

Referee Chris Kavanagh did not give a foul on the pitch after Bees captain Christian Norgaard caught Jordan Pickford as he lunged for the ball in the Blues box.

But the centre back clearly caught the goalkeeper, who immediately went down in pain. Norgaard had been stretching for a ball with teammate Yoane Wissa after it was headed across Pickford’s goal, but found the onrushing keeper instead.

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VAR Anthony Backhouse sent Kavanagh to the screen and he overturned his original call, showing a straight red and providing Everton with a big opportunity to earn a crucial three points.

The decision sparked frustration in the away dugout, where Brentford boss Thomas Frank was booked for his protests.

Confirming the reason for the decision, the Premier League Communications Centre posted on X, formerly Twitter: “The referee’s call of no foul by Norgaard on Pickford was checked by the VAR. The VAR deemed that the challenge was serious foul play and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a red card to Norgaard.”