Michael Owen goes on social media rant after Everton denied late penalty against Man Utd

Michael Owen has blasted the officials on social media after Everton had a late penalty overturned by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

On Saturday afternoon, David Moyes' high-flying Toffees welcomed Manchester United to Goodison Park in the Premier League.

Everton had a 2-0 lead at half-time thanks to goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

However, Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte scored in the last 20 minutes to make it 2-2.

Deep into stoppage time, referee Andy Madley pointed to the penalty spot after Ashley Young went down inside the United area.

However, on the back of a lengthy VAR check, Madley was sent to the pitch side monitor and subsequently changed his mind, meaning the match ended with a chorus of boos as both teams left with a point.

Michael Owen reacts on social media after Everton denied late penalty

Taking to social media, former United, Liverpool and England striker Owen gave his views on the controversial decision.

He wrote on X: "I’m a VAR fan but that last minute penalty was a mess. Maguire wasn’t the culprit yet VAR repeatedly offered the ref one angle and failed to show the shirt pull from De Ligt."

Replying to a tweet from professional golfer Lee Westwood, Owen said: "Exactly. Simply because VAR missed it and focused on the wrong player committing the offence."

NO PENALTY- DRAMA AT THE END!!!

Upon review, Everton do NOT have a late penalty against Man United! 😱 pic.twitter.com/HuCJVpf9NI

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 22, 2025

The former Real Madrid man then added: "The referee gave the penalty for what he considered was a foul by Maguire which explains it a little. Looking forward to Match Officials Mic’d Up in a couple of weeks."

Speaking at the time on TNT Sports, ex-Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand said: "I was feeling the worst when VAR got involved. I was surprised it wasn't given. The contact is there. When you put your hands on someone you give the referee a decision."

As a result of the draw, United stay in 15th place in the Premier League table, one point behind Everton.

Ruben Amorim's men will return to action on Wednesday when they host Ipswich Town at Old Trafford in the Premier League.