Premier League explains why Everton were denied penalty against Brentford before red card

Everton were not awarded a penalty in the immediate build-up to Jarrad Branthwaite's red card against Brentford despite confirmation that VAR did check the incident.

The Blues were reduced to ten men midway through the first half as the centre-back tangled legs with Ivan Toney while the Brentford striker was looking to run in behind the defence.

The decision itself faced little argument, but controversy surrounded the moments beforehand.

Richarlison looked to be having his shirt pulled by Kristoffer Ajer inside the Brentford box as a ball was delivered towards the back post - but the referee gave nothing for the incident.

The ECHO understands that VAR did check the incident, but it was not believed to meet the threshold of a clear and obvious error.

Incidentally, it's also believed that if a spot kick was given on the field, it would NOT have been overturned by the official in Stockley Park.

Everton were eventually awarded a penalty later in the half when Richarlison was dragged back by Mads Bech Sorensen inside the box, with the Brazilian standing up to convert it himself.