'It's only his second time' - Mike Dean makes VAR admission in analysis of disallowed Everton goal

The former Premier League referee gave a live breakdown of the VAR's decision to disallow Beto's goal

Everton saw a late goal ruled out for a razor-tight offside against Southampton. Beto was deemed to have strayed beyond the last man in the 89th minute after a VAR check.

The Blues eventually slumped to a 1-0 loss at previously winless Saints. Sean Dyche watched his side miss a host of chances before Adam Armstrong struck late on to win it for the hosts.

Everton almost salvaged something the game thanks to Beto before the technology intervened. Speaking on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday programme, former Premier League referee Dean gave a real time breakdown of the events and revealed the VAR was relatively new to the role.

"I think to be fair it's only Matt [Donohue]'s second time doing the VAR," he said. "He got one last week and he's doing one this week. It is very, very tight.

"You can tell by the way we've both had two different opinions. It could go either way, they're gonna put the lines on."

"...I wouldn't say you want to make the decision quickly. It's a big time in the game, last minute - I think he's just offside."

Everton are now 16th in the Premier League table and four points clear of Ipswich Town in the relegation zone.