Mark Clattenburg reacts immediately to controversial Everton v Wolves footage
Mark Clattenburg is of the view that the decision to disallow James Tarkowski’s goal in the Premier League game between Everton and Wolves on Wednesday was right.
Tarkowski thought he had put the Toffees two in front when he headed home a free-kick from Dwight McNeil in the 18th minute, but the goal was disallowed after referee Michael Salisbury checked the pitchside monitor following a lengthy VAR check.
Orel Mangala, who did not touch the ball, was adjudged to have blocked Mario Lemina from preventing the ball from getting to Tarkowski from an offside position, thus resulting in the goal being overruled, and while the decision irked the fans at Goodison Park, Clattenburg feels Salisbury made the right call.
Speaking live on Amazon Prime [4 December, 7:53 pm], Clattenburg said: “It’s the correct decision.
“What we’re seeing more and more now is this blocking, which creates space for the attacker, which gives them the chance to make a free header.
“So, with that block, the player was in an offside position. He was quite right, it was a subjective call given offside.”
Mark Clattenburg reacts immediately to controversial Everton v Wolves footage
Sean Dyche’s side nevertheless went into the half-time break with a two-goal lead.
Ashley Young put the hosts in front with a spectacular free-kick goal in the 10th minute, thus bringing an end to the Toffees’ four-game goal drought.
Meanwhile, Mangala found the back of the net for the first as an Everton player with a first-time shot from the edge of the box 23 minutes later.
The Merseyside-based club are, therefore, in a strong position to claim all three points in a game against another relegation-battling side.
Barring any second-half twists, Dyche’s side will go five points clear of the relegation zone.
A win will also see Everton bring an end to their five-game winless run in the Premier League in what will be a huge relief for Dyche.
It is important they go into the Merseyside derby against table-toppers Liverpool at home on Saturday [7 December] high on confidence.
In other Everton news, Michael Keane is expecting to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January, with a Goodison Park outfit lined up.
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