Supporters of Everton have fumed following a report on the Theo Walcott penalty incident in the clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.
During the clash with the Seagulls on Saturday, supporters felt the Englishman should have clearly been awarded a penalty but was not as he did not fall to the ground despite being impeded (per Liverpool Echo).
However, the report from the Liverpool Echo went on to explain that the man on VAR, Michael Oliver, felt that there was not enough contact, which had supporters furious.
3 defo pens, walcott pull, holgate push and the handball on floor var is a complete waste of time. Refs make mistakes but how can anyone watching a replay of all 3 incidents not say they were pens? Get a panel of ex pros in for var, bin the idiots insitu!
— Hitch (@HitchEFC) January 13, 2020
Their answer has left me feeling no less informed. Especially in contrast to the penalty Brighton got against us, via VAR.
— Iam Duncan Smith (@MuteVicars) January 13, 2020
So that’s 2 decisions then against Brighton that where wrong. This VAR is getting worse an worse by the week
— Daniel (@D_Hart11) January 13, 2020
Utter nonsense. It’s clear the contact impacted Theo. To quote the age old adage “anywhere else in the field it’s a foul”
Coote got it wrong and Oliver protected him rather than ruling objectively.— Ian G (@IanG1878) January 13, 2020
Is Theo Walcott not being given a penalty against Brighton and Hove Albion evidence of corruption?Yes, it's clear and obvious
No, don't be so ridiculous
|
Despite the clearly controversial decision, the Toffees were still able to pick up three points in the Premier League clash, which has seen the Merseyside club rise to 11th position, three points behind seventh (as per BBC).
Although the decision did not clearly impact the result of the tie, Everton fans continued to fume over Oliver’s explanation of the decision.
Seems corrupt not giving it because it was that clear and obvious
— Richard Hughes (@Puckyou1912) January 13, 2020
Not surprised when Oliver was involved
— Bluetoffee (@Bluetoffee10) January 13, 2020
Oliver is an atrocious ref its as though he has an agemda when it comes to efc , he is sunday league ref at best var in the bin
— john nsno jevons (@wakeyblue) January 13, 2020
Corruption plain and simple
— Flock75 (@bluethrough1) January 13, 2020
What do we think?
This one is quite an understandable frustration from Everton fans, as it does appear likely that Walcott would have had a penalty had he gone to ground (per Liverpool Echo).
However, it is a bit of a stretch to suggest that corruption may be an explanation of the events that unfolded, rather than a wrong decision in a pressure situation.