Exclusive: Ex-FIFA official amazed at footage from Everton loss v Chelsea
Everton were left furious after a controversial decision during their latest Premier League outing against Chelsea.
David Moyes’ side were ultimately beaten 1-0 by a Nicolas Jackson goal in the first half, in a game that was competitive and closely fought.
Everton gave a great account of themselves throughout the match, restricting Chelsea’s chances, while creating a few golden moments of their own.
Robert Sanchez had an important role to play in the result due to some great saves, but Everton fans believe he also should have given away a penalty in the first half.
Everton should have had a penalty
In the 38th minute of the game, with the Merseyside giants already a goal down, Sanchez ended up clattering into Vitalii Mykolenko inside the box.
A long ball was floated into the box by Everton, which Mykolenko was attempting to get hold of until Sanchez charged out and punched it away.
However, in doing so, he completely wiped the Everton star out in a moment that left both men in a heap of pain for a while, but it was ultimately given as a foul on the goalkeeper.
| Premier League 2024/25 | Position | Points |
| Everton | 13th | 38 |
| Manchester United | 14th | 38 |
| Wolves | 15th | 38 |
| Tottenham | 16th | 37 |
| West Ham | 17th | 36 |
| Ipswich Town | 18th | 21 |
In the view of former FIFA official Keith Hackett, Sanchez should consider himself lucky to have avoided serious punishment for the incident.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News after reviewing the footage, Hackett said: “The challenge by the goalkeeper is a clear reckless challenge and should have resulted in a penalty kick and yellow card.
“It amazes me that there is no intervention from VAR, who should have determined that the referee taking no action is a clear and obvious error. Poor officiating.”
Ultimately, the Blues goalkeeper went on to be awarded the Man of the Match for his performance, as he made several important saves to deny Everton throughout the game.
Everton will quickly move on
As much as the Toffees will feel aggrieved not to have taken at least a point from the game at Stamford Bridge, they will be looking to quickly move on and bounce back.
It was another positive performance by Moyes’ men, and one that he will no doubt have been proud of after the final whistle, despite leaving London empty-handed.
Everton will be back at home next Saturday (3 May) for one of their final games at Goodison Park as they host Ipswich Town.