Dermot Gallagher shares verdict live on Sky Sports amid controversy in Everton 2-2 draw v Chelsea
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher and Sue Smith both believe it was the right decision to award a penalty to Chelsea in the 2-2 draw with Everton (18 March).
The Toffees claimed a massive point at Stamford Bridge, coming from behind twice thanks to goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ellis Simms to sit in 15th place heading into the international break.
But there was some controversy over whether or not the penalty Kai Havertz converted should have been awarded for a foul on Reece James, but while appearing on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch segment (20 March, 11:53) both pundits agreed it was a stonewall penalty.
“I’ll refer to Sue (Smith) for this one, because I can’t imagine even the nicest person in the world is going to say that isn’t a penalty,” Gallagher said.
Smith agreed, and admitted she thought it was a penalty.
“I agree, it was a pen. I can’t even defend that,” she said.
No complaints
At the time it looked very much like James had massively exaggerated the contact made for the foul, and the reaction of the players raised questions too.
But after seeing the replay it’s pretty clear that he gets fouled from behind before he gets to James Tarkowski, who then also trips him on his way down.
A penalty is the right decision, but the fact the team didn’t crumble late on in that situation is a huge credit to what Sean Dyche is building at this club and there is now rightly a lot of optimism about our chances of survival.
To claim a draw against Chelsea when they had seemingly turned a corner is massive, and he’s doing it in a way that has reunited the fan base to the point where the fights with the board have simmered down for now with all attention on surviving.
The performances are improving week on week, players are improving and Everton are a better football team since he became manager, so it’s only positive things right now.