Mark Smith

Mon 16 August 2021 16:10, UK

We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Everton.

Keith Hackett believes that a separate reviewing system for appealing yellow cards could be introduced after Everton beat Southampton on Saturday.

The big talking point in the opening 45 minutes was Richarlison being booked for diving, with the Brazilian heavily criticised.

Hackett backed the official for their decision to book the attacker but admitted that a new review system could be perfect.

Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Hackett said, “If you give a caution for an act of simulation, you’ve got to be spot on.

“I think the referee was confident that he dived, and on the basis of his proximity to the play, I’ll live with it.

“Sometimes the clubs get concerned about the yellows, because they’re not allowed to appeal, and this is where I think, if you had that separate review for acts of simulation, this is where you could review it.

“I’m supporting the referee.”

Move on.

It wasn’t the best of choices from Richarlison, but he let his football do the talking after that happened.

After a summer packed with the COPA America and the Olympics, he arrived back in training on Friday and stole the show on Saturday.

His goal and assist were critical in picking up three points on the opening day, and Rafa Benitez could clearly make him an even bigger star in this system.

As for a new review system, it would be perfect.

Officials have been told to let the game flow more, so players going down are more likely to be adjudged to have dived or not received enough contact – that could lead to more bookings.

Time will tell, but this looks like a smart idea.

In other Everton news, ‘Excellent’ – Alan Shearer blown away by one Toffees star v Southampton

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