Marco Silva admits the VAR decisions that have gone against Everton over recent weeks “have been really difficult to understand” and says several facets of the system must be improved.
Everton were denied two penalties by VAR in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
With the score at 0-0, Richarlison appeared to have been bundled over in the box by Spurs defender Davinson Sanchez. The on-field referee waved play on and after inspection by the VAR officials at Stockley Park, the decision was upheld.
The Toffees had another strong shout for a spot-kick when a Lucas Digne corner struck Dele Alli’s raised hand.
After a further lengthy VAR check, again no penalty was awarded.
Everton were the victim of another VAR decision in the previous weekend’s game at Brighton & Hove Albion – the home side awarded a penalty after Michael Keane was penalised after a seemingly innocuous challenge on Aaron Connolly.
"For us [the game against Tottenham] was one more game that the decisions didn't come for us," Silva said.
"I understand, we have full support for how our fans feel in this moment. Like us, the last three or four games have been really difficult to understand, to see so many different decisions for us and the opponents.
"Of course, I have my opinion, and we will have the meeting this afternoon which will be a good moment to talk about the situation.
"The VAR decisions, of course, in some moments look different than our opinion. But you have to respect that they are tough decisions to make. Some are difficult to understand.
"We are talking too much about referees and VAR, you are not talking about the most important thing, which is the football. The way the team has played or not.
"Not just to talk about Everton, we hope this type of situation will not happen with us again because it looks as if everything is coming against you. Not just with things on the pitch but with injuries also. In this moment it looks like everything is against us.
"Even in this moment I must be really optimistic in this situation, because I know how football is.”
Silva was among a number of Premier League bosses who met with Mike Riley, manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), on Thursday to discuss the VAR system.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Silva said: "When we talk with the people in the meetings it won't just be about Everton, because what happened with Everton they saw, as well and they have their opinion.
"I spoke with some referees after the match and I know their opinion on the penalty against us at Brighton, I know straight.
"It's not to talk about Everton, it's to talk about our general point of view about the process, the system as well, how the fans are not happy with the situation and what is the best way to protect the game."
