Keith Hackett: Jonjoe Kenny red card harsh in Everton loss v Wolves, Michael Oliver makes selfish decision
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 insisted that Michael Oliver was slightly selfish in handing Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny a red card against Wolves.
The ex-FIFA official believes that not every foul after a yellow card is a second booking, and Oliver could have been more lenient.
Kenny will now miss the crucial Premier League clash against Newcastle on Thursday evening at Goodison Park.
“I think it was [slightly soft],” he exclusively told Goodison News. “In law, Oliver has got it right.
“At the elite level of the game, I think one of the things that Oliver has to manage more effectively.
“I think whilst he may have got it right through two yellow cards, the clubs are not allowed to appeal so that player is suspended. I think a bit of proactive refereeing, a bit of chatting to the player and making the captain have a quiet word, once you’ve issued a yellow card, you don’t go hunting.
“I talk about that second yellow card being orange, and that’s what I used to say to referees. It’s slight manipulation of the law, but there are that many yellows that can be given for technical instances, you say you know you’re cautioned, if you’re going to give a second yellow, it’s more towards a red card than a technical offence.
“There wasn’t any malice, it’s almost a selfish act by the referee, a referee of his status, I think he could have got away with that.”
Selfish.
This could be a blessing in disguise for the Toffees.
Frank Lampard has been stubborn with his selection in defence despite the backline continually being embarrassed in the Premier League.
Now, it may finally be time for Vitalii Mykolenko to prove himself on the big stage with a run in the first time ahead of Kenny.
Oliver is an experienced official, and he could easily have had a word and possibly hand Kenny a final warning.
Instead, he rushed into his decision and had the card out before even thinking about the consequence for the challenge.
Nothing can be done, now.
In other Everton news, Graeme Souness has laid into Farhad Moshiri for having his “trousers taken down”
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