Keith Hackett slams David Coote indecision amid Everton v Norwich penalty drama
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 has slammed referee David Coote for his slow decision-making amid a controversial penalty decision in Everton’s win over Norwich on Saturday.
Allan was brought down by Ozan Kabak in the penalty area prior to Andros Townsend scoring from the spot to help the Blues on their way to a 2-0 win.
However, Coote initially didn’t think it was a penalty and had to use VAR to eventually award the spot-kick to Rafa Benitez’s side.
Norwich manager Daniel Farke has since blasted Allan, claiming the Everton midfielder dived to win the penalty [Tribal Football].
Hackett thought it was a penalty as soon as he saw the incident but was baffled by Coote’s decision-making process when he was so close to the challenge.
Speaking to Goodison News, the former Premier League referee said: “I think the process of the referee was somewhat bemusing.
“He stood there, he certainly didn’t sell the decision, he appeared not to make a decision when it was in front of him.
“He was in a great position and when I first saw it, I thought it was a penalty. He didn’t give it, there was hesitancy and I think that hesitancy brought doubt among several areas.
“If you’re looking from a distance, you could be doubtful but VAR came in and the outcome was the correct call.
“[The delay in the decision] is a gap in the process. It sends a message out of some doubt and some players around him are almost looking and thinking, ‘what have you given?’.”
Abdoulaye Doucoure’s goal in the second half killed off the game as Everton won for the fourth time in the Premier League this season.
After such an underwhelming summer transfer window, Benitez now has his side sat fifth in the table, level on points with second-placed Manchester City.
In other Everton news, this Blues star has vowed to improve even more despite impressive form.
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