Everton used as Pierluigi Collina called out by Richard Keys after World Cup latest

Pierluigi Collina is a name that sends shivers into the spine of every Everton supporter.

The Italian referee was widely regarded as one of the best in the game back in the day, but that opinion is not held by Blues fans.

They hold the 66-year-old responsible for their UEFA Champions League qualifier defeat to Villarreal in 2005.

Everton had finished fourth in the 2004-05 season but went into the qualifiers due to their city rivals Liverpool being the holders.

Collina disallowed a goal from Duncan Ferguson, which would have seen the Toffees go into extra time, with the scores at 1-1 in the second leg at El Madrigal.

Diego Forlan scored a late strike to make it 2-1 and seal a 4-2 aggregate win for the Spaniards, and dump David Moyes' side out.

What was said about Everton as Pierluigi Collina comments cause rage?

Collina defended the refereeing from Argentina's controversial 3-2 World Cup round of 16 win over Egypt.

FIFA's chief refereeing officer believes that there is not a conspiracy to get the holders into another final.

Richard Keys has called out the Italian for his comments on the matter, referencing the controversy surrounding Everton back in the day.

Taking to X on Thursday, the former BeIN SPORTS presenter, said: "Pierluigi Collina insists no-one is trying to get Argentina into another final.

"Ok. That’s it then. We have to believe him.

"Evertonians remember Collina’s last ever game very well. Did we ever find out why he disallowed Ferguson’s goal?"

Why Everton are still haunted by Collina mistake

Collina ruled out Ferguson's strike due to an apparent foul by Marcus Bent in the build-up.

He was judged to have pulled an opposition player as the corner was sent in, meaning that the goal did not stand.

However, footage actually seems to show that Bent was the man that was fouled, not the other way round.

The Merseysiders have never really recovered from the blow, which could have led to a much more successful era than what actually followed.

What makes it even more painful for Blues supporters, is the fact that the Italian FA allowed Collina to defer his retirement, despite the fact that he had reached the required age of 45 in the February.

He would call time on his refereeing career in August 2005, meaning that the game was the last that he oversaw.

He is still held in the same contempt by the Hill Dickinson Stadium faithful, more than 20 years after the matter in hand.

And, Collina is simply not helping himself at the World Cup.