Dermot Gallagher reacts live on Sky Sports to controversial incident in Everton v Brighton
Dermot Gallagher has reacted to the decision to send Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour off in the game against Everton on Saturday (24 February).
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch on Monday (26 February, 11:47am), the former Premier League referee said the Scotland international got the ball but that he followed through and caught Toffees midfielder Amadou Onana on the shin.
He added that once the referee decided to give the 22-year-old a red card for the challenge on 81 minutes, VAR is “never going to overturn it”, with a last-gasp Lewis Dunk goal cancelling out Jarrad Branthwaite’s superb effort to ensure the game ended 1-1 at the Amex Stadium.
“This is all about point of contact,” said Gallagher. “He does get the ball but he does follow through and catch him on the shin. Once the referee decides red card, the VAR is never going to overturn it.”
Everton disappointed to not hold on against Brighton
It was a challenge where you can argue the toss either way depending on which team you support as it was a subjective decision to send Gilmour off.
The thing that goes against the midfielder is that after he wins the ball, he follows though on Onana and catches him on the shin.
If the referee didn’t give him a straight red, then there is a chance VAR wouldn’t have recommended an on-field review, but you can certainly see why he got his marching orders.
The Toffees would have undoubtedly taken a point before the game against a good Brighton side, but after they took the lead and played the last 15 minutes or so against 10-men, they will be disappointed to not have claimed all three points.
But the fact they can go to places like the Amex and pick up a result should give them plenty of confidence in their bid to beat the drop this season.
In other Everton news, Farhad Moshiri has been provided with a 777 Partners takeover solution amid the “appalling” Goodison situation.
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