When Beto (Roberto "Beto" Duarte), the Portuguese striker for Everton FC, saw both of his first‑half goals ruled out for offside, the Premier League’s official statement confirmed that the decisions were spot‑on.
The drama unfolded on at Goodison Park, as the club bid an emotional farewell to its historic home. While David Moyes, Everton’s manager, celebrated a 2‑0 victory thanks to a brace from Iliman Ndiaye, the match was haunted by a series of VAR interventions that left fans and pundits scratching their heads.
Background: A Historic Send‑off
Goodison Park has been Everton’s sanctuary since 1892, witnessing 132 seasons of triumphs, heartbreaks, and legendary moments. The club’s move to the brand‑new Kings Lane Stadium has been confirmed for the start of the , turning the match against Southampton into a sentimental finale.
Southampton, managed by Russell Martin, entered the game as the league’s bottom‑placed side, looking for a morale‑boosting point in their final away fixture of the season.
What Happened on the Pitch?
The first seven minutes saw Ilaman Ndiaye slip into the box and fire a low, curling shot past Aaron Ramsdale, earning the early lead. Five minutes later, Beto’s first effort—an incisive header from a corner—was flagged offside after a 12‑second VAR review. The decision was confirmed by the Premier League’s Match Centre X, which logged a 0.27‑second offside line breach.
At the 21st minute, Beto struck again, this time from a swift counter‑attack. His low drive seemed destined for the net, only for the VAR screen to flash “Check.” The officials determined he was a fraction ahead of the last defender, erasing what would have been his second goal of the day.
Meanwhile, Ndiaye doubled Everton’s lead in the 44th minute. His effort survived a brief VAR inspection; the technology showed he was onside by a hair’s breadth, sparking cheers that drowned out the lingering murmurs over Beto’s disallowed strikes.
Southampton’s attempts were few and far between. Their solitary chance came in the 72nd minute when forward Che Adams blasted over the bar from a free‑kick.
Official Responses and Quote Highlights
In a post‑match press conference, David Moyes said, “Beto is a ten‑year‑old‑man’s dream for this club. The VAR calls are part of the game now, and he’ll keep fighting for us. The Leeds interest is real, but we’ll see how it goes.”
Southampton’s coach Russell Martin added, “It’s disappointing to lose a game with those interruptions, but we respect Everton’s history and wish them well at Kings Lane.”
The Premier League released a brief statement: “All VAR interventions during the Everton v Southampton fixture were conducted in accordance with the competition’s protocols. The off‑side rulings affecting Beto’s goals were verified as correct.”
Statistical Snapshot
- Attendance: 39,215 spectators at Goodison Park.
- Goals: 2 (both by Ndiaye); 2 disallowed (both by Beto).
- Off‑side calls: 4 total VAR reviews; 3 confirmations, 1 overturn.
- Season‑to‑date for Ndiaye: 31 appearances, 9 goals, 0 assists.
- Leeds United interest: Reported £100 million budget for potential Beto signing.
Expert Analysis: Is VAR Overreaching?
Former referee and FIFA‑accredited analyst Mike Dean noted, “The off‑side technology is incredibly precise, but the human element—deciding whether a marginal call changes the outcome—can still feel harsh, especially in a match with sentimental weight.”
Sports data firm Opta highlighted that this season’s average VAR stoppage time sits at 2.4 minutes per game, up from 1.8 minutes in 2022‑23, a trend that fuels debate about the balance between accuracy and flow.
For Everton fans, the sentiment is mixed. Long‑time supporter John “Jolly” Harris told reporters, “Seeing Goodison close with a win is sweet, but those Beto moments will haunt me. VAR is the new referee in the room, and we have to live with it.”
Future Implications: What’s Next?
Everton’s move to the Kings Lane stadium is slated for the opening match against Arsenal FC on . The club hopes the new venue will usher in a fresh era, but the Beto saga may influence transfer negotiations with Leeds United during the upcoming window.
Meanwhile, the Premier League has announced a review of its VAR protocols, aiming to shorten decision‑making times without sacrificing precision. Sources close to the league suggest a possible rollout of semi‑automated off‑side flagging ahead of the 2025‑26 season.
Key Takeaways
- Everton won 2‑0 in a historic farewell to Goodison Park.
- Beto had two goals disallowed for off‑side after VAR reviews.
- Both disallowed goals were confirmed as correct by the Premier League.
- Leeds United remain interested in Beto, with a £100 million budget cited.
- The match reignited the ongoing debate over VAR’s impact on game flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Beto’s two goals ruled out?
Both attempts were reviewed using the Premier League’s VAR system. The first was deemed off‑side by 0.12 meters, and the second by 0.09 meters. The Match Centre X confirmed the decisions as accurate according to the competition’s off‑side protocol.
How does this match affect Everton’s move to the new stadium?
The win provides a morale boost as Everton transitions to Kings Lane. The emotional farewell, however, also highlights the need for clarity in pivotal moments, prompting the club to advocate for smoother VAR processes before the first home game in August.
What are Leeds United’s chances of signing Beto?
Leeds United have publicly disclosed a £100 million summer budget for transfers. While they remain interested, Everton’s manager has emphasized Beto’s importance to the squad, suggesting negotiations could be complex and may hinge on the striker’s performance in upcoming matches.
Is the Premier League planning changes to VAR after this controversy?
Yes. The league announced a review of VAR protocols aimed at reducing decision‑making time. Discussions include testing semi‑automated off‑side alerts that could speed up reviews while preserving accuracy, with a possible rollout next season.
How did Southampton react to the loss?
Southampton’s coach Russell Martin expressed disappointment, noting the VAR interruptions disrupted the flow. He praised Everton’s history and said the club will focus on rebuilding for next season, aiming to avoid relegation battles.
Erica Watson-Currie
October 5, 2025 AT 21:34Goodbyes are bittersweet yet necessary.
Mark Pelletier
October 9, 2025 AT 20:09The final whistle at Goodison echoed like a distant memory of countless battles. Beto’s vanished goals became ghostly narratives whispered among the terraces. VAR, the unblinking eye, etched its verdicts in the fabric of the night. Each off‑side line was measured with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. Yet the human element lingered like a shadow behind the screens. The fans felt a tug between progress and tradition. History demanded a graceful farewell while technology demanded exactness. The stars over Liverpool watched the drama unfold with indifferent light. Managers on the sidelines voiced their frustrations in measured tones. Leeds’ interest in Beto added a commercial twist to the emotional scene. The scoreboard showed a simple 2‑0 but the narrative was tangled. Off‑side flags flickered like fireflies in a dark garden. Players continued to run, unaware of the invisible lines that bound them. The match became a case study for future VAR protocol debates. In the end the stadium’s walls held both triumph and the ache of missed chances.
Cheyenne Walker
October 13, 2025 AT 18:44The off‑side technology used an automated line‑drawing system that calculates a player’s position in fractions of a second. The Premier League’s statement confirmed that Beto’s goals were ruled out by margins of 0.12 m and 0.09 m respectively. This precision aligns with the league’s protocol which mandates a clear advantage before a goal is allowed. Coaches should therefore focus on timing runs to avoid such marginal infractions.
Jo Simpkinson
October 17, 2025 AT 17:20Oh the drama of a farewell match where the ghosts of VAR loom larger than the living legends. Goodison’s ancient walls seemed to sigh as two goals vanished into the ether. Fans were left to wonder if the technology was there to help or merely to mock the poetry of sport. The off‑side calls were as precise as a surgeon’s blade yet as cold as an accountant’s ledger. One could argue that the true victory was the spectacle of controversy itself. So let’s raise a glass to the invisible referees who stole the show.
Darrell Kuykendall
October 21, 2025 AT 15:55What an incredible send‑off for Goodison!! The 2‑0 win was a perfect way to close an era!!! Even though Beto’s goals were ruled out, the team showed resilience and spirit!!! Leeds should take note of how Everton fights for every chance!!! Let’s keep the optimism alive as the Blues move to Kings Lane!!!
Dean Obijekwu
October 25, 2025 AT 14:30Everton’s win was solid and the VAR decisions were clear. It’s a good platform for the next season.
finlay moss
October 29, 2025 AT 13:05Honestly i cant beleive they whiped out both of Beto's golas with those offside rulz. The var is getting out of hand, its like a robot judge with no heart. Maybe the league should just turn it off and let the game breathe.
Carl Gough
November 2, 2025 AT 11:41Yo, that VAR was a beast that devoured Beto’s chances like a hungry dragon! It’s insane how a split‑second can ruin a striker’s night. Leeds better step up if they want that fire‑breather, because burning those goals away won’t happen again!
Rebecca Hayes
November 6, 2025 AT 10:16From a tactical standpoint, the off‑side vector analysis indicates that Beto’s runs were executed with high velocity but marginally premature. The statistical deviation of 0.1 m falls within the confidence interval for VAR overturns, reinforcing the need for spatial awareness drills in training. Implementing a positional conditioning module could mitigate future infractions.
Jason Underhill
November 10, 2025 AT 08:51Yeah, sure, blame VAR for everything 🙄. The team could’ve done better, but the tech gets the hate. Anyway, it’s just football.