Thierno Barry lucky as Keith Hackett reacts to Everton vs Man United footage

Thierno Barry was fortunate to escape a booking for simulation in Everton's Premier League clash with Manchester United.

That is the view of former FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who reacted immediately to first-half controversy at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Barry went to attempt to get ahead of United goalkeeper Senne Lammens from a left-wing cross by Tyrique George.

However, the Toffees striker went to ground when being challenged by Lisandro Martinez and claimed for a penalty.

Referee John Brooks was unmoved in his assessment, though, and told Barry to get up as the game continued.

While many in the stands were yelling their disapproval at the decision, former PGMOL chief Hackett had a different view.

What did Keith Hackett say about Thierno Barry controversy?

The controversial incident was checked immediately by VAR, who decided it was not a clear and obvious foul.

As such, referee Brooks was not told to head to the pitchside monitor and play continue.

Goodison News showed footage of the incident to Hackett immediately after, and he felt Barry was actually the lucky party.

Hackett exclusively told Goodison News: "John Brooks got this one spot on.

"The player, Barry, went to ground far too easily and he is lucky that he did not receive a yellow card for his clear act of simulation."

Hackett baffled by further Everton vs Man United incidents

However, Hackett did feel Everton were hard done by with another first-half incident.

Diogo Dalot escaped punishment for a crude tug of Tyrique George's shirt, with no yellow card shown for his action.

Soon after, Harrison Armstrong did go into the book when he did something similar to Manchester United ace Bruno Fernandes.

Reacting to those incidents, Hackett said: "Dalot pulled his opponent's shirt stopping a promising attack.

"John Brooks really should at that point issue a yellow card for unsporting behaviour."

On the Armstrong incident, Hackett added: "The yellow card to Everton midfielder Armstrong is correct.

"The player wrapped his arm around his opponent's neck."