Mike Dean reacts to Everton controversy v Brighton after footage drops
Everton being awarded a penalty against Brighton was “100 per cent” correct on Saturday, Mike Dean has said.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (25 January, 3:39pm), Dean didn’t have any doubts when asked if Joel Veltman’s handball in the box should have seen a penalty awarded.
Veltman handled the ball during a duel with Toffees striker Beto, and after VAR had intervened and the spot-kick was given, Iliman Ndiaye stepped up to fire home and give the visitors a 1-0 victory at the AMEX Stadium.
Dean said: “Yeah, 100 per cent. I think from where the referee is, he’s looking through the two players, can’t really see the handball, which you can’t from behind.
“[Joel] Veltman thinks he’s got a bit of a nudge, which he hasn’t – he’s just knocked the ball out of the way of Beto I think.
“So for me again – same as the one at Southampton – have a look at the screen, and 100 per cent penalty, clear handball.”
Everton continue David Moyes revival v Brighton
Brighton and Veltman’s protests over the first-half penalty being awarded at the AMEX Stadium fell on deaf ears eventually, as Ndiaye kept his cool from 12 yards to give the Toffees back-to-back victories.
As has often been the case to win points this season, the game was a battle from start to finish, but just as they did against Spurs last time out, David Moyes’ side held on to win it in the second half.
Although not starting quite as brightly as they did last weekend, the attacking impetus provided by the likes of Ndiaye and Beto produced the scramble which led to the penalty – and the winning goal.
Ndiaye being the Blues’ difference-maker is nothing new this term, but usually, it’s been his flair in open play and trickery in wide areas, rather than dead-eyed accuracy from the spot.
Two wins from three games under Moyes move the Toffees seven points clear of the bottom three, and given they’re now edging the tightest of games, the future looks a bright one at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, Paul Merson slammed Tim Sherwood’s verdict on the upcoming Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.
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