Everton fans irate with Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno amid incidents at Goodison Park – BBC journalist
Fulham’s Bernd Leno was at the centre of attention at Goodison Park on Tuesday night as his timewasting antics continued to frustrate Everton fans.
The German goalkeeper took his time on goal kicks on several occasions, with Fulham holding a 1-0 lead thanks to an own goal from Michael Keane late in the first half. Everton later equalised before the away side won on penalties.
It was very apparent that Leno was wasting time, with BBC Sport journalist picking up on the resentment growing towards him throughout the EFL Cup tie.
“The home fans are starting to get irate at how long Bernd Leno is taking at goal kicks,” he wrote for BBC Sport on Tuesday (19 December, 9:00pm).
“Won’t be long before referee Graham Scott comes over to have a word.”
No surprise
It comes as no surprise to hear Leno wasting time, and Everton fans shouting abuse at him for it. Fulham were ahead at the break despite their goal coming completely against the run of play.
In the first half, Everton’s five shots were four more than Fulham’s one shot, showing how much more dominant the Toffees were, but also how they needed to be more clinical in front of goal.
Dwight McNeil had a golden opportunity to open the scoring before the Cottagers capitalised but were made to wait until the 82nd minute to equalise through Beto.
Leno began timewasting early in the match, which made it all the more sweet when Beto netted the equaliser with just eight minutes left to play. For those of you who do not believe in karma, there is your evidence.
Timewasting during the first half normally means that there is a lack of belief that a team can keep a clean sheet. And Leno was correct, and Everton finally got the breakthrough they deserved.
In other Everton news, a club shareholder has gone on record to slam a “terrible” development surrounding the Toffees and has made an admission on Sean Dyche.