Brennan Johnson had a goal controversially ruled out in the first half of Everton‘s Premier League clash with Hull City.
The Wales international thought he had given the Toffees the lead with 34 minutes played of Sunday’s contest.
However, Johnson’s celebrations were cut short as VAR intervened to check a number of possible issues.
Hull’s players appeared to be appealing for a foul on goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
However, it was an offside decision that ultimately saw referee Michael Salisbury called to the pitchside monitor.
To Hull’s delight, the goal was indeed ruled out, with the Premier League now sharing an announcement to clear up the issue.
Why was Brennan Johnson goal ruled out vs Hull?
Pat Nevin, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, was very confused as to why the goal was ruled out.
Johnson was in an offside position before he forced the ball home – that part is not up for debate.
However, the big question is whether Johnson was interfering with play in the build-up.
It was a subjective decision, hence why Salisbury was asked to check the monitor and review his initial decision.
In Salisbury’s view, Johnson was indeed interfering with play.
#HULEVE – 35’ VAR OVERTURN
After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Everton – with Johnson in an offside position and deemed to be challenging an opponent for the ball.
REF: “Everton No.22 is in an offside position and challenges Hull No.3.…
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) October 11, 2026
The Premier League Match Centre account posted: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Everton – with Johnson in an offside position and deemed to be challenging an opponent for the ball.
“REF: ‘Everton No.22 is in an offside position and challenges Hull No.3. Final decision is offside’.”
What has Darren Cann said about Johnson’s disallowed goal?
In the view of former linesman Darren Cann, speaking via 5 Live, it was the correct call from the officials.
“Brennan Johnson was in an offside position when the shot came in from Harrison Armstrong,” Cann said.
“Johnson then challenged Hull City’s Ryan Giles and therefore in law was interfering with an opponent.
“An excellent and correct intervention from VAR Tim Wood, who was also right to instruct referee Michael Salisbury to go to the monitor as this was a subjective offside decision, rather a factual one.”
Had Johnson been just a few inches further back he would have been onside and it would not have been a debate.
That was pretty much the only talking point in the first half, which ended goalless.
