Shearer and Lineker argue over Arsenal penalty decision v Everton
Everton’s 1-0 win over Arsenal was shrouded in controversy but Alan Shearer believes the key refereeing decisions should have gone the Toffees’ way.
The BBC pundit suggests Richarlison was onside in the build-up to the goal and crucially he thinks the Brazilian did not even foul Dani Ceballos for Arsenal’s penalty, which was ruled out for offside.
But Gary Lineker thinks differently, suggesting penalties are now always given if there is contact in the box – however slight that contact may be.
On BBC’s Match of the Day, Shearer said, “I didn’t think it was a penalty.”
Lineker then hit back, saying, “Well there was contact Alan that’s all you seem to need nowadays, just a gentle brush of the socks.”
But his colleague Shearer dismissed the point, “Doesn’t matter…Richarlison gets back in there with Ceballos and he flicks him? He’s in agony isn’t he look at that, it’s just a flick isn’t it!.”
Lineker responded once more and doubled down on his position, adding, “That’s all it needs nowadays, players go down because they know they’re going to get penalties they all do it.”
Lineker also said “that’s onside” in response to Richarlison’s run to which Shearer agreed, saying “yes”.
Harsh call
We are firmly in the Shearer camp as Richarlison’s tap on Ceballos’ shins was not enough to make the Spaniard fall to the floor.
He made a massive meal out of the challenge and clutched his leg as if Richarlison had made the worst tackle in the world.
Thankfully VAR came to the rescue for once and though Arsenal fans may moan about the margin of offside, it should not have been a penalty anyway.
We are relieved that VAR did not intervene for our goal, as Richarlison was deemed onside by an even tighter call.
It is all getting very ridiculous and every week Match of the Day pundits are having to analyse refereeing and VAR decisions.
VAR was meant to solve that issue but it has instead exacerbated it, and we feel it is time for that to change.
In other Everton news, the Toffees want to sign a Ligue 1 midfielder who is admired by a former Everton star.
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