Premier League called out for what they’ve just said about Everton controversy – ‘What is the point?’
Everton have borne the brunt of several questionable refereeing decisions this season.
In Everton’s 0-0 draw with Burnley on 27 December, David Moyes was shocked his side wasn’t awarded a penalty after Tyler Dibling’s effort was blocked by Jaidon Anthony’s arm.
However, the worst call came at the Hill Dickinson Stadium the week before, when Everton lost 1-0 to Arsenal on 20 December, and they were denied another penalty.
Thierno Barry went down in the box after a challenge from William Saliba, but after an extensive VAR check, it wasn’t deemed to be serious enough for a spot kick.
The Premier League has acknowledged that it was the wrong decision; however, the response hasn’t gone down well with Andy Dunn.
Premier League’s response to Everton vs Arsenal controversy feels hollow
Ahead of Everton’s clash with Brentford on Sunday, Moyes was informed that they should have been awarded a penalty against the Gunners, with the Key Match Incidents (KMI) voting 3-2 that the on-field decision was incorrect.
Writing in the print edition of the Sunday People, Dunn questioned what the Premier League’s KMI panel had to say about the incident.
He said: “Barry got to a ball first and Saliba kicked the Everton striker’s boot. Referee Sam Barrott waved play on, and VAR Michael Salisbury decided not to intervene.
“But now, the KMI panel has said they were both wrong. Only here’s the thing.
“There are five members on the KIMI panel – three former players or coaches, one representative from the Premier League, and one from the Professional Game Match Officials.
“Two of them agreed with Barrott and Salisbury, three of them did not? How is that any sort of verdict? And what is the point?”
The Premier League has been apologising for these incidents for over a decade, and it’s no good for Moyes to hear an apology now when it’s far too late.
The correct refereeing decision vs Arsenal could have changed Everton’s season
With the match finishing 1-0 courtesy of Viktor Gyokores’ penalty, the Toffees should have been given the chance to level the match with a spot-kick of their own.
The incident took place in the 57th minute, and it could have sparked a comeback from the Toffees.
Everton were without Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye due to their AFCON commitments, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite were also unavailable.
| Everton | Stat | Arsenal |
| 5 | Shots | §3 |
| 0.20 | Expected goals | 2.00 |
| 35% | Possession | 65% |
| 74% | Pass accuracy | 88% |
Their absences were felt as Everton were dominated by the league leaders, but converting the penalty they should have had would have made things interesting.
Had the Toffees gone on to win that game, they would be currently sitting fifth in the table and feeling extra confident ahead of the Christmas period.
The confidence gained from earning a positive result against Arsenal is unmatched, and it certainly would have enhanced Everton’s European ambitions.
Moyes and his players will just have to get on with it, and no justice has really been served by the Premier League.
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