Dermot Gallagher drops verdict on VAR controversy from Everton loss v Manchester United live on Sky Sports
Dermot Gallagher believes the referee made the right decision not to send off James Garner for a foul as Everton were beaten by Manchester United.
Garner came on as a substitute and made a late tackle on defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the second half, standing on the ex-Crystal Palace man’s shin after just missing the ball.
No foul or card was given as the referee played advantage and VAR never intervened to review the decision, and former Premier League referee Gallagher told Sky Sports News’ “Ref Watch” segment (10 April, 12:03) that a red card wasn’t necessary anyway.
“Definitely not a red card for me,” he said.
“You know it’s a foul, he catches him. But it’s low. Look at the player, the player doesn’t anticipate a red card.
“He catches him on the shin but it’s not with the studs, it’s not with intensity, it’s not come from a great distance.”
Fortunate
It’s very interesting that this is considered not to be a dangerous tackle considering some of the other red cards that we have seen given this season.
Garner’s attempt at the ball is genuine and just mis-timed, but we think it’s fair to say that had that been flipped on it’s head and Aaron Wan-Bissaka had stepped on Garner’s leg we’d all think differently about it not being dangerous.
Realistically a red card would have been harsh but would anyone be arguing if it had been given? Probably not.
Based on that we were likely fortunate the decision went in our favour, especially with Abdoulaye Doucoure still being suspended for the next two games in the same position.
Garner has struggled to make an impact since joining Everton last summer, and if he could step up now and do so in the final games we’ll be very grateful for this decision.