VAR Overturns Johnson Goal Against Hull in Premier League Match

Everton forward Brennan Johnson had a goal ruled out after 34 minutes against Hull City in a Premier League match after VAR review, with referee Michael Salisbury overturning the strike because Johnson was judged offside and interfering with an opponent.

The decision came after Johnson appeared to put Everton ahead, but Salisbury changed the original goal decision after checking the pitchside monitor. The Premier League Match Centre said the ruling was based on Johnsons position and involvement in the challenge.

The Premier League Match Centre explained that Johnson was considered offside when Harrison Armstrongs shot was taken and that his challenge with Hull defender Ryan Giles affected the decision.

"After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Everton – with Johnson in an offside position and deemed to be challenging Hull No.3 for the ball. REF: 'Everton No.22 is in an offside position and challenges Hull No.3. Final decision is offside'." stated the Premier League Match Centre.

The opening half ended goalless after the overturned goal became the main incident. The review focused on whether Johnson interfered with an opponent rather than only determining his offside position.

Former assistant referee Darren Cann discussed the decision during commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live. He said the review involved a subjective judgment about whether Johnson affected an opponent.

"Brennan Johnson was in an offside position when the shot came in from Harrison Armstrong. Johnson then challenged Hull City's Ryan Giles and therefore in law was interfering with an opponent." said Darren Cann, former assistant referee.

Cann added that a referee review was required because the decision depended on interpretation. He also noted Johnson could have avoided the issue by being slightly farther back during the attacking move.