VAR decision explained after Wilfried Zaha handball against Everton

Crystal Palace's second goal against Everton on Sunday afternoon was allowed to stand after it was adjudged that Wilfried Zaha's handball in the build-up was not deliberate.

The Blues fell to a demoralising 4-0 defeat at Selhurst Park to knock them out of the FA Cup at the quarter final stage. Strikes from Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta in the first half were added to by Zaha and Will Hughes in the second period to send the hosts to Wembley.

However, shortly after Patrick Vieira's side had bagged their second of the match, Evertonians on social media noticed an incident which they believed should have seen the strike ruled out.

In the build-up to the goal near the touchline, Zaha was involved in a challenge with Demarai Gray and appeared to knock the ball away from the Everton winger with his arm. The move later led to the Palace man playing a pivotal role in setting up Mateta to put his side in a comfortable position.

The ECHO understands that it was deemed the handball was not deliberate, with Lee Mason the VAR for Sunday afternoon's match. On-field official Stuart Attwell was not advised to check his pitch-side monitors over the decision, with there little indication in the stadium over whether a check has even taken place.

This comes after numerous big decisions have gone against Everton in recent weeks. The Blues were denied a penalty after Man City midfielder Rodri looked to handle the ball inside the box, while Allan was sent off on Thursday evening against Newcastle after intervention from Stockley Park over his challenge on Allan Saint-Maximin.