Premier League pundit ready to give up on VAR and officials after final Everton outrage slips by
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell is tired and confused by the refereeing controversies that built up for Everton this season, and doesn’t know what rules apply any more.
Lost in the jubilation of the comeback 3-2 win at Goodison that secured Premier League survival (19 May) was the fact that Crystal Palace goalscorer Jordan Ayew appeared to escape a red card minutes before he netted the visitors’ second.
Referee Anthony Taylor only produced a yellow for the Ghanian’s knee-high scissor tackle on Anthony Gordon, which VAR Mike Dean didn’t suggest overturning, and Premier League Productions pundit Campbell is at the point of giving up over the decision making.
“Well it was. It was a straight red in our eyes,” he told Goodison News of Ayew’s challenge.
“But obviously VAR doesn’t think so.
“We could be here until we are blue in the face.
“I don’t know what a sending off is. I don’t know what a penalty is any more. I’ve no idea.
“That’s the truth, I don’t know. I just don’t know any more.
“Because he’s gone over the ball. He’s hit the leg, up the shin. And he’s out of control.
“I don’t know what more you need, but obviously VAR know more than I do.”
Time and again during the relegation battle high profile incidents went against the Toffees, from Rodri’s unpunished handball in the penalty area, to Allan’s VAR-assisted red card against Newcastle.
Frank Lampard received an apology from referees chief Mike Riley over the former incident, but was then charged by the FA for his comments on Stuart Attwell’s refusal to give Gordon a penalty at Anfield.
Steven Gerrard got away with heavily implied criticism of Jon Moss only a short time later so it was no surprise that in the most important game of the season there would be one last refereeing hurdle to clear, after a bewildering series of decisions in a nightmare year.
In other Everton news, one Toffees attacker is wanted by his former manager with other clubs waiting in the wings.
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