Mike Dean said VAR would not have had the perfect camera angle to rule out Lewis Dunk’s goal at Everton.

The former top-flight referee and video assistant told Sky Sports viewers he suspected there might have been an offside as Dunk volleyed home via the underside of the crossbar but did not appear sure.

Significantly, he also spoke about camera angles available at ageing Goodison Park.

It certainly appeared the Seagulls may well have been hard done by – with images shown in the media area and later on Match Of The Day casting significant doubt over whether Dunk was offside as Pascal Gross delivered a free-kick in his direction.

After a VAR check of around two minutes, the goal was cancelled out by Michael Oliver at Stockley Park.

He was faced with a forensic judgement between positions of James Tarkowski and Dunk, who were several yards apart.

 

Dean confirmed that Oliver and assistant VAR Nick Hopton would not have had the perfect angle for a judgement.

Told that the camera position did not look ideal, Dean said: “Best angle you are going to get! That’s all you’ve got at Everton.

“There are only certain camera angles at certain grounds.”

Initially it looked like Dunk would be ruled onside – as Everton players put the ball on the centre spot and prepared to restart after a goal.

An Albion representative spoke to referee Tim Robinson some time after the game, although it was not clear what the subject of conversation was.

BBC Match Of The Day highlights and the comments shown from Sean Dyche concentrated more on two penalty claims by the home side, one of which - foul or not - appeared to take place outside the box.