Everton v Nottingham Forest: Mark Clattenberg to react on Ashley Young claims Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher is expecting a statement from Mark Clattenberg after controversy in the 2-0 Everton win over Nottingham Forest.
The Sky Sports pundit reacted at half time of the broadcaster’s coverage of the crucial clash at Goodison Park on 21 April after Ashley Young was involved in multiple penalty appeals from the visitors which were waived away by Anthony Taylor and the VAR.
After surviving a shout for a possible foul on Giovanni Reyna the Toffees veteran wasn’t penalised for a possible handball, which Carragher was convinced was a penalty but host Rob Jones said Stockley Park decided the arms were in a “natural position given the movement he was making”.
The former Liverpool defender dismissed that explanation entirely and trailed the input of former Premier League official and now-Forest refereeing consultant Clatternberg to speak out on the incidents after the final whistle.
Carragher said (2.26pm): “No it’s a penalty. You can talk about close proximity but VAR haven’t mentioned that. His arm’s out from his body, he’s making himself bigger, and the ball’s just falling there to Chris Wood in the six-yard box.
“Ashley Young is very lucky and I think we’ll be hearing from Mark Clattenberg after the game.”
Ashley Young rides his luck for Everton at Goodison Park
Young has been no stranger to controversy in crucial Everton games this season, although he has largely proven to be a hindrance for Sean Dyche on previous occasions, getting sent off at Liverpool and conceding a penalty at home to Manchester United.
He could have given away three in this relegation six-pointer as he was also given the benefit of the doubt in a second-half challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi, so luck was on the Toffees’ side this time.
Idrissa Gana Gueye’s rare strike in the first 45 minutes added to Nuno Espirito Santo’s misery as the big calls went against his side, but was potentially crucial for Everton’s hopes of avoiding relegation for a third season running.
Clattenberg’s unconventional new job at the City Ground was no-doubt established for exactly this sort of situation so his input is surely imminent.
All too often Everton are on the receiving end of such officiating controversy but this time they can count themselves fortunate.
With form on the pitch appalling in 2024 while points deductions rain down and the 777 takeover continues to flounder they needed a break, and on this occasion they got it and took full advantage to record a vital three points.
In other Everton news, Dyche has held crunch talks at Finch Farm during the week amid calls for him to be sacked.
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