Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in agreement over Everton ‘madness’ vs Liverpool
Everton succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Liverpool on Saturday, but the result was not without incident.
Everton put in a great display against Liverpool, but could not fight back from an early two-goal deficit to get the result that they wanted.
Everton star Jack Grealish terrorised the Reds’ defence as the Blues pushed for an equaliser, but it was not be, this time around.
However, there was a controversial moment in the clash at Anfield, which left David Moyes and Co. reeling after the final whistle.
Everton rightfully aggrieved over Liverpool incident
Everton star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was booked for taking a free kick too quickly, in a ridiculous decision that summed up referee Darren England’s performance.
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have agreed that the booking was not warranted, and their verdict on referees in general was a harsh one.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast on 22 September, Lineker said: “They are talking about trying to get rid of timewasting, the referees are the biggest timewasters of all.
“They want everything to be so slow and long, what we should have in football, is the right to take a free kick as quickly as you possibly want to.
“Because it should be the team that gets fouled, they should have some kind of advantage, but at the moment they don’t.”
Shearer replied: “Unless you are taking it from a ridiculous spot which was 20 or 30 yards nearer the goal, there is no need to, why does the referee have to set himself?
“You are absolutely right, you are the team that has had the foul given for you, then you are getting booked for taking a quick free kick from the spot, it’s just madness.”
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Darren England had a shocker in Liverpool vs Everton
Moyes will be proud of his side’s performance, but he will be bitterly disappointed with England’s showing.
The Blues manager had previously praised the referee for a decision that he had made in the past, but he may regret that now.
- England refused to give a penalty against Everton when they beat Fulham 3-1 in May, which led to praise from Moyes
- England had a nightmare this time though, and both Moyes and Grealish made their feelings clear after the contest
- Moyes will surely be reluctant to see England in the middle in the near future for Toffees matches
The Dewsbury-Hall booking was the biggest issue, especially as it leaves the ex-Chelsea star just one yellow card away from a suspension.
However, there were other issues that he presided over, such as Conor Bradley not being booked despite fouling Grealish consistently, two potential fouls in the build-up to the Reds’ goals, and the three minutes of added time at the end.
Moyes’ side have been subject to plenty of controversial decisions already this season, with two penalties given against them for handball in the opening two games, and he will hope that the officials improve as the campaign progresses.
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