Everton supporters will likely be left furious by images to surface on Twitter (via Sky Sports) from their 3-2 defeat on Sunday which may suggest Michael Oliver and VAR made a huge mistake during their game this weekend.
Frank Lampard’s men saw a massive opportunity to take a step closer to Premier League safety go to waste with a second-half comeback from Brentford sealing the points for the visitors.
Should this have been a penalty?
Yes
No
The major turning point in the game was when Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was shown a straight red card for his clumsy challenge on Ivan Toney.
However, the Everton manager made it apparent in his post-game interview that he felt his young defender should’ve been spared the dismissal as a result of the challenge on Richarlison leading up to the foul.
There was a coming together between Everton’s Brazilian forward and Kristoffer Ajer inside the Brentford box which saw the Danish defender grab hold of Richarlison’s shirt.
And images were relayed on social media following the game to share Everton’s frustrations over the decision which played a big part in how the game played out.
TIF Thoughts on the images…
The evidence is undeniable. Ajer clearly has a tight grasp on Richarlison’s shirt, however, there was no sense VAR was going to intervene and change the decision.
Not only would the decision have awarded the Toffees with a penalty, but it would have then meant they kept all 11 men on the pitch.
This decision clearly had a huge effect on how the remainder of the game and given the precarious position Lampard finds his side slumped in, these images will only infuriate the fanbase and Lampard with just six points left to play for.
In other news: Tony Scott issues positive Finch Farm behind-scenes claim at Everton