‘Very disappointed’ – Ex-FIFA chief hits out Everton decision that left David Moyes furious
Everton were beaten 2-1 by league leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
The Merseyside Derby was not without its controversies, as David Moyes was furious at the full-time whistle.
Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike were enough for Liverpool to claim the bragging rights, although a spirited second-half display from the Toffees threatened to derail Liverpool’s 100 per cent start.
Referee Darren England has been scrutinised following a couple of decisions that went against Everton.
Darren England made unusual decision says Keith Hackett
England gave Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall a yellow card for taking a free-kick quickly, sparking outrage from the Everton bench.
Moyes was visibly angry at England’s booking of Dewsbury-Hall, and once the 90 minutes were up, the fourth official only announced that three minutes of stoppage time would be played, an amount that is very low in this day and age.
After the match, Moyes and Jack Grealish gave their opinions on both decisions, stating that England’s performance was poor throughout the match.
Liverpool’s start to the game ultimately proved decisive, and Everton fans will feel proud of their side’s performance.
- 10th minute – Gravenberch scores a brilliant half-volley
- 29th minute – Ekitike clinically puts Liverpool 2-0 up
- 58th minute – Idrissa Gana Gueye scores a brilliant consolation goal for Everton
Whilst the controversial decisions did not have any significant bearing on the outcome of the match, the rare nature of some of the calls made has certainly sparked outrage amongst Evertonians.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett told Goodison News: “The yellow card for a player attempting to take a quick free kick was frankly poor officiating.
“I could see no reason for the quick free-kick not to be allowed.
“It is years since I witnessed this intervention witnessed that action by the referee in years.”
In regard to the addition of only three minutes of stoppage time at the end of the game, Hackett added: “David Moyes does have a point, three minutes in a Merseyside derby appears to be short.
“Frankly, I will be very disappointed if The FA decides to charge the Everton manager for his comments.”
David Moyes will once again be proud of Everton’s performance
Everton have been in a stagnant place over the last few seasons, consistently finishing in the bottom half of the table, and sometimes fighting relegation.
However, Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall were among this summer’s new arrivals, and their influence on the team has led Everton to seven points from their opening five games.
Everton have been competitive in every single game this season, and bar the opening day defeat to Leeds, progress has been evident.
Everton now have the squad to push for a top-half finish, and under Moyes, they have a manager who plays his football exactly to the team’s strengths.
Everton face Wolves in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, with the Toffees looking to compile further misery on their opponents at Molineux.
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