Everton vs Nottingham Forest: Dermot Gallagher reacts to contentious issues
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has reacted to the penalty shouts that Nottingham Forest had turned down against Everton.
The Reds had three big pen calls rejected in Sunday’s (21 April) Premier League clash at Goodison, which ended in a 2-0 win for the Toffees.
That led to the club’s official X account slamming the officials and alleging that VAR Stuart Attwell was biased due to allegedly being a Luton fan.
Reacting to the Gio Reyna challenge on Ashley Young, Gallagher told Sky Sports News [22 April, 11:01am]: “I think the ref has a perfect view.
“There’s minimal contact but not all contact is a foul. Once the referee has seen it and said ‘no’, there’s no way the VAR is going to intervene.”
However, pundits Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith felt that Gallagher was wrong and a pen should have been given.
On the Young handball decision, Gallagher said: “This is the most difficult call. Is his arm there because he’s running, is he too close?
“It’d be harsh if a penalty is given. That said, in the SPFL, everything like that is given. It’s a decision that could have gone either way.”
And on the final call, Young’s challenge on Hudson-Odoi, Gallagher said: “I think it’s a penalty. The forward gets the wrong side of him.
“The referee signals that the defender plays the ball – he doesn’t.”
Who was the VAR for Everton vs Nottingham Forest
Referee Gallagher felt two of the three calls should have resulted in a penalty, while the pundits – both of an Everton persuasion – felt all three should have been pens.
In fairness, had the shoe been on the other foot, Everton fans would also have been livid. However, you would not then expect the club to send out a statement along the lines of the one Forest put out.
The Toffees have had some shocking decisions go against them this term, so it is nice for decisions to balance themselves out.
Given the magnitude of the game, it is clear to see why Forest were so angry. To suggest there is any bias involved, though, is very wide of the mark. Stuart Attwell is well respected and that is why he was put on VAR for such a big game.
What happens next to Forest will be interesting to see. From an Everton perspective, all that matters is that three crucial points are now on the board.
In other Everton news, an Ellis Simms transfer claim was made live on BBC.
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