Mark Clattenburg insists Everton can have ‘no gripes’ with Michael Oliver
Mark Clattenburg has insisted Everton can have “no gripes” with referee Michael Oliver, agreeing with every one of his controversial decisions against Brentford.
Frank Lampard’s side lost 3-2 at Goodison Park on Sunday [May 15] after having Jarrad Branthwaite and Salomon Rondon sent off – finishing the crunch relegation clash with nine men.
The Toffees showed great character throughout the 3-2 loss. Still, it wasn’t enough as the Blues held back no criticism for the referee after a catalogue of majorly speculative calls to which Clattenburg disagrees.
He told Daily Mail: “Frank Lampard and Co can have no gripes because the officials did their job at Goodison Park. Kristoffer Ajer and Richarlison were tussling for the ball in the box. Michael Oliver was satisfied it was six of one, half a dozen of the other, and I agree.
“Then almost straight away, after a long ball, Branthwaite brought down Ivan Toney, denying the Brentford striker an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
“That had to result in a straight red. As furious as Everton were with the referee, Oliver then did them a favour, awarding a soft penalty after Richarlison had used Mads Bech Sorensen’s contact to fall in the box.
“Everton’s lack of discipline was evident when Salomon Rondon launched himself at Rico Henry with two feet and studs showing. Oliver was well within his rights to show another red.
“As much as they’d like to blame the officials for this defeat, Everton don’t have a case.”
Disgraceful.
Of course, Clattenburg is going to say this – he is looking out for one of his old refereeing pals, isn’t he?
The fact of the matter is that Oliver was disgraceful yesterday and yet again Everton has paid the price after several wrong decisions from the referee.
Branthwaite was quite unlucky to have been sent off for his offence. It was an awkward-looking challenge but the ball looked to be slightly beyond the striker’s reach and Jordan Pickford would have probably swept it up.
Of course, you can see why it has been but it was very, very unlucky.
The Blues were awarded a penalty in the first half but even Clattenburg admitted it was soft. It was almost as if Olive knew he made a major blunder with the red card and looked to level his decisions out.
How Richarlison’s shirt being almost ripped off his back in the second half wasn’t awarded as a penalty is baffling – that might have been enough to see the Blues escape with a point.
There can be no complaints about the red card for Rondon – it was a brainless tackle.
In other Everton news, Sean Dyche has lifted the lid on a private talk with Lampard after he insulted the Blues.
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