Former Premier League referee and managing director of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited Mike Riley has reportedly apologised to Everton after VAR failed to award a penalty to the Toffees against Manchester City at the weekend.
Frank Lampard's side held their own for large portions of the encounter against the champions and were incensed that they were not awarded a spot kick when the ball struck Rodri on the arm.
VAR official Chris Kavanagh did not give the penalty after on-field referee Paul Tierney had missed the incident, with the Premier League claiming that Kavanagh did not see "conclusive evidence" that it was handball.
However, the decision has led to widespread criticism, with Lampard exclaiming that his "three-year-old daughter could see it was a penalty" and Everton lodging a formal complaint.
Now, Sky Sports News reports that Riley telephoned Lampard and chairman Bill Kenwright to apologise for the decision, with Man City running out 1-0 winners on the night thanks to Phil Foden's goal.
The defeat leaves the Toffees just one point above the drop zone in 17th as Lampard prepares for Thursday's FA Cup fifth-round clash with non-league Boreham Wood.
Ben Knapton
