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Bournemouth Beats VAR - Evanilson’s Ban Lifted After United Controversy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated May 3, 2025 6:44 PM ET

Bournemouth’s nicknamed The Cherries, recent 1-1 draw with Manchester United was overshadowed by a controversial red card shown to striker Evanilson, sparking more heated debate about VAR’s role in the Premier League. In the 70th minute, Evanilson slipped while tackling United’s Noussair Mazraoui, initially earning a yellow card from referee Peter Bankes. After a VAR review prompted by official John Brooks, Bankes upgraded it to a red, leaving Bournemouth with 10 men and fans fuming.

Smaller Clubs Are Getting Hit By VAR The Hardest

The decision cost Bournemouth dearly, as United’s Rasmus Højlund equalized in the 96th minute, snatching a point. Manager Andoni Iraola didn’t hold back, calling the call “common sense” wrong and vowing to appeal, arguing Evanilson’s slip was clear. Bournemouth’s appeal succeeded, with an independent regulatory commission overturning the red card, sparing Evanilson a three-match ban and making him available for their upcoming clash against Arsenal.

The incident reignited criticism of VAR, with fans and pundits split. Former referee Dermot Gallagher backed the red, citing the “dangerous” studs-up challenge, but Sky Sports’ Sue Smith and Stephen Warnock slammed it as “poor,” insisting the slip made it a yellow at most. Mant pundits and Cherries fans were left lamenting VAR’s failure to note the slip, calling it a game-changer.

This isn’t the first VAR controversy this season. Successful appeals for players like Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes highlight ongoing issues with consistency. Bournemouth’s case underscores a broader problem: VAR’s reliance on slow-motion replays can distort context, turning accidents into offenses.

Overturning The Red Card Doesn't Get Bournemouth The Points Back

Iraola’s post-match comments questioned the VAR process, asking whether Bankes saw a still image or real-time footage. The Premier League Match Centre justified the red, claiming Evanilson’s challenge was “two-footed” and endangered Mazraoui, but the appeal’s success suggests the commission prioritized intent and context. Bournemouth, sitting 10th and chasing a Conference League spot, dodged a bullet with Evanilson’s return.

As the EPL season nears its climax, Bournemouth’s victory over VAR keeps their European hopes alive and the refereeing debate raging. But as fans fume, the points have already been lost, and those two dropped points at season's end, may prove to be a massive loss to a small club with big ambitions of European football next year. As they have just beaten Arsenal and Evanilson scored in the 1-2 victory, that successful appeal might reap the Cherries some gold with European football back on the cards.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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