Man United player accused of cheating vs Everton as ex-FIFA official speaks out on footage seen
Joshua Zirkzee appeared to be guilty of simulation in Everton’s clash with Man United.
Everton secured a 1-0 win away to Man United, in a game that was largely dominated by a handful of first-half incidents.
After a disagreement with Michael Keane that turned into a physical altercation, Idrissa Gana Gueye was shown a straight red card, leaving the Toffees fighting an uphill battle.
However, that wasn’t the only off-the-ball incident at Old Trafford, with Keane’s defensive counterpart James Tarkowski also involved in a separate one.
Joshua Zirkzee involved in incident with James Tarkowski
Very early into the game, Man United were awarded a free-kick after Zirkzee, who has been linked with Everton, went down under a challenge from Tarkowski.
The Dutch striker got up immediately after receiving the foul, and proceeded to confront Tarkowski before the pair shook hands and went their ways.
However, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes that it was simulation from Zirkzee, who he believes should have been cautioned.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, he said: “Frankly, cheating is almost becoming the norm in our great game. Far too often, we see players going to ground in an effort to get an opponent yellow-carded or to win a penalty kick.
“The need to win is sadly putting pressure on players, and referees need to act more quickly by sanctioning acts of simulation. Tarkowski does show his displeasure at what he has witnessed.
“In these situations, I want to see a sanction to the player who is cheating and then the referee to take them aside and tell him in no uncertain manner that I, the referee, will deal with these situations and for him to concentrate on playing.“
David Moyes now faces Everton dilemma after Idrissa Gueye red
Gueye will face a three-match ban now, which would keep him out of action until the Toffees travel to face Chelsea on 13 December.
However, with AFCON approaching, Gueye may jet off with Senegal that weekend ahead of the competition start a week later.
He and Iliman Ndiaye could leave Everton temporarily that week, leaving Moyes with more questions than answers, especially in regard to Gueye.
It’s likely that Tim Iroegbunam now gets an extended run in the team in his absence, with very few other options in midfield.
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