Everton fans turn against Rafa Benitez after Richarlison substitution
Everton fans turned against manager Rafa Benitez after he took Richarlison off in today’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, Ben Grounds has revealed.
The Brazilian was replaced by Salomon Rondon in the 58thminute of the match when the Toffees were trailing 1-0 through Conor Gallagher’s goal.
James Tomkins doubled Palace’s lead just over 10 minutes later before Rondon pulled one back, but Gallagher then wrapped the game up in stoppage time.
Writing on Twitter, Sky Sports journalist Ben Grounds shared how supporters were not pleased with Richarlison coming off.
“That Richarlison substitution a significant moment,” he said. “Fans not happy at all. Toxic atmosphere.”
Daniel Storey, chief football for the I, also revealed how fans reacted to the substitution.
“Fat Spanish waiter” chants after Richarlison is taken off,” he wrote. “Followed by the Brazilian’s own song.”
Strange sub
While Richarlison struggled against Palace before he was substituted, it still seemed strange for Benitez to take off one of his main goal threats when behind in the game.
You can understand wanting to bring Rondon on and the Venezuelan certainly made an impact, getting on the scoresheet for the first time in an Everton shirt. He gave the Toffees a real presence upfront and gave the Eagles defence something to think about.
But he should have had Richarlison playing alongside him. Granted, the Brazilian has not been at his best this season but you want him on the pitch if you are chasing a game.
It was hoped that Everton might be turning a corner following the win over Arsenal earlier in the week (6 December), but they have now gone backwards again and Benitez’s relationship with supporters continues to deteriorate.
In other Everton news, Andros Townsend has heaped praise on one of his teammates.
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