Everton were on the wrong end of a controversial refereeing decision against Manchester City on Saturday, which eventually proved crucial as the Sky Blues left Goodison Park with a slim 1-0 victory. Toffees boss Frank Lampard and chairman Bill Kenwright subsequently received a phone call of apology from Mike Riley, but that ultimately will make no difference if their Premier League survival bid proves unsuccessful. With one dodgy call still fresh in the memory, Express Sport delves into four more which have left onlookers scratching their heads this campaign.
Harry Kane vs Liverpool
The England captain waited until December to bag his first home goal of the Premier League season, but he also made headlines by being on the fortunate side of a questionable refereeing decision.
In the commentary box, Gary Neville let out a shriek as Kane’s high, lunging tackle on Andrew Robertson was replayed in slow motion, but referee Paul Tierney only showed yellow.
Despite scoring in a 2-2 draw, Robertson’s afternoon then got even worse when his own swipe was punished with a red card.
Liverpool fans were quick to question the consistency in decision-making, with Tottenham star Kane admitting to Sky Sports that his challenge was ‘strong’.
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Ben Godfrey vs Arsenal
Everton managed an unlikely win over the Gunners in December, after a run of torrid results under Rafa Benitez.
Late goals from Richarlison and Demarai Gray did the trick in a 2-1 triumph, but the Toffees rode their luck too when Ben Godfrey’s questionable challenge went unpunished.
Early on, the defender’s studs landed on Takehiro Tomiyasu’s face in a clumsy challenge which Neville claimed he ‘100 per cent meant’.
Despite Arsenal’s right-back boasting a battle scar on his chin from the encounter, referee Mike Dean reviewed the incident before deeming it accidental.
Ryan Fraser vs Manchester City
Fraser and his Newcastle United team-mates turned around in unison to ask the question after City’s goalkeeper, Ederson, cleaned out the Scot without touching the ball.
The Sky Blues were already 2-0 up and cruising by that point in the tie, and many were shocked to see the referee wave play on.
City went on to win the game 4-0 back in December, with the Magpies’ Premier League resurgence still several weeks away.
But the penalty near-miss still raised serious questions, despite Joao Cancelo taking control of the ball before Fraser and Ederson came together.
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