Dermot Gallagher reacts to Arsenal v Everton controversy live on Sky Sports
Dermot Gallagher believes it was the right decision not to chalk off Arsenal’s controversial winner in their 2-1 victory over Everton in the Premier League finale on Sunday (19 May).
The Gunners were unable to topple Manchester City at the top of the table despite Kai Havertz’s late effort at the Emirate Stadium.
It was that goal for which referee Michael Oliver was told to go and check the screen for a potential handball against Gabriel Jesus in the build-up but the official decided the goal should still stand.
Reacting live to the incident on Sky Sports News’ ‘Ref Watch’ segment (20 May, 11:32am), former Premier League referee Gallagher said: “I didn’t think it was handball, what I did like is the fact that the referee went to make a decision.
“We spoke last week about the monitors is it the referee that makes a decision? Well the referee deems that’s not deliberate, I wonder if Jesus turns his body, sees (James) Tarkowski puts his foot up, when the referee goes to the screen he has to decide if that’s a deliberate handball because it didn’t lead to Jesus scoring.”
Everton fall foul of controversial Gabriel Jesus decision vs Arsenal
It is very difficult to agree with Gallagher’s view here because we have seen so many similar incidents penalised this season.
Surely the fact that Jesus gained an advantage from the handball which ultimately led to the Gunners getting a late winner means Oliver should have overturned his decision after reviewing it back?
Fortunately, the decision means little in the grand scheme of things because Everton had long-since secured their Premier League status for next season despite being docked a total of eight points for Profit and Sustainability rule breaches this season.
But it is hardly the point is it? The point is it is another contentious decision this term that went against Everton. On another day it could have been way costlier.
The general consensus among neutrals appears to be that it was a handball and frankly it is a bit baffling that Oliver decided it was not an offence.
In other Everton news, Tony Bellew raged at the Toffees’ “insane” punishment live on talkSPORT.
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