Keith Hackett: Anthony Gordon should have been given Everton penalty v Liverpool
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 Everton should have had a penalty in their 2-0 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.
The ex-FIFA official admitted that Joel Matip knew exactly what he was doing as he appeared to drag Anthony Gordon to the floor.
Hackett believes that VAR should have recommended a second look, and given Stuart Attwell the chance to stick or twist.
“I think it was a penalty,” he exclusively told Goodison News.
“For me, if you put your hands around your opponents and onto their shoulders, there’s a reason for that. He succeeded, and I think Gordon can feel somewhat disappointed that he didn’t get a penalty.
“This is the sow you reap, in the referee’s mind, when he’s seen an act of simulation from a player, he’s almost wanting to make certain.
“Of course, there was a gap, a chance, just a minute to give what he is seeing. It is a subjective decision, it’s easier with the camera angle we’ve got.
“VAR could say have a look at this, Attwell has his own voice to say it’s not a penalty.”
How many times?
Frank Lampard must be getting tired of these shocking decisions going against him and the Toffees each week.
Even if Gordon was deemed to have dived in the first half, that should have no saying on a separate incident that was clearly a foul.
If Attwell was influenced by that decision earlier in the game, then he needs the rules refreshing to him before he takes charge in the Premier League again.
The Toffees are said to have written to the PGMOL demanding answers once again, and they are being set up for another one of Mike Riley’s apologies.
Something clearly needs changing in this current system, it’s not working.
In other Everton news, Simon Jordan has shared a potential catastrophe waiting to happen at Goodison Park this season
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