Dermot Gallagher reacts to Ashley Young controversy in Everton v Man United
Dermot Gallagher has provided his verdict on the controversial penalty decision involving Ashley Young in the 2-2 draw between Everton and Manchester United on Saturday.
Everton ended their Premier League clash with Manchester United at Goodison Park on 22 February in disappointment as they allowed the visitors back into the game after taking a two-goal lead in the first half and also saw a penalty ruled out in added time.
One can only wonder what would have happened had Andy Madley not decided to overturn his own decision after reviewing the pitchside monitor after initially pointing to the spot for a foul on Young.
The decision, which came at a crucial point in the game, has sparked debate in the football world, with Toffees fans arguing that there was no clear and obvious error in the decision for it to be overturned.
Dermot Gallagher admits Matthijs de Ligt foul
The Everton faithful have now been offered expert opinion, with Dermot Gallagher delivering his verdict on the controversy.
Gallagher dismissed the alleged foul on Young by Harry Maguire, but admitted that Matthijs de Ligt was guilty of pulling the veteran’s shirt long enough to be penalised.
The former Premier League referee also insisted that it would have been best for VAR not to get involved in the decision at all.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Gallagher said (24 February): “For me, the best solution is [to] stick with the referee and VAR to not get involved.
“Once VAR got involved, it raised a number of issues that didn’t really need raising, to be honest.
“I think one of the problems was the referee gave the penalty against Maguire.
“I don’t think Maguire has fouled him, but I do think De Ligt has got hold of his shirt for long enough to give a penalty.”
| Club (Premier League Position) | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
| Everton (14) | 26 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 29 | 33 | -4 | 31 |
| Manchester United (15) | 26 | 8 | 6 | 12 | 30 | 37 | -7 | 30 |
Gallagher also hinted at the possibility of the officials overlooking De Ligt’s foul as Madley had given the penalty against Maguire and not the Dutchman.
He added that the referees might have missed De Ligt’s foul as they were too focused on the incident involving Maguire.
“Obviously, the referee has said to the VAR, ‘I’ve given a penalty because I think Maguire has pulled his shirt’ and the VAR has looked at it and said no.
“Well, does De Ligt not pull his shirt? When I was talking to another referee, he said to me, ‘Don’t forget that is not the offence the referee gave’ and my take on that was if he sees an offence that he thinks is a penalty, he can still give the penalty.
“I think we got so bogged down looking at the Harry Maguire one that De Ligt actually got washed away.”
Everton in rich vein of form
Everton would have relished the opportunity to nick a late winner against Manchester United in one of their last games at Goodison Park, but at the same time would be pleased to have taken their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six games.
It is a testament to David Moyes‘ impact that the Toffees have gone from battling relegation to moving above Manchester United since he arrived in January.