Ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has commented on a contentious decision that took place in the Everton versus Brentford match.
The incident in question saw the ball hit the arm of Jarrad Branthwaite in his side’s 1-0 win at Goodison Park on Saturday (27 April).
Referee Darren England decided against pointing to the penalty spot, which Gallagher completely agreed with.
Asked on Sky Sports News [29 April, 11:44am] if he felt it was a spot-kick, Gallagher said: “No. You can see it deflects onto him.
“His arm is in a natural position as he prepares himself – he hasn’t moved his arm towards the ball.”
Idrissa Gueye the unlikely hero for Everton
Incidents such as this happen at least once every game, and there is absolutely no way a penalty should ever be awarded.
As Gallagher says, not only was Branthwaite’s arm in a natural position, the ball also took a deflection on its way through.
England deserves credit for not awarding a pen, and referees should show far more common sense when it comes to decisions such as this.
Nobody – Brentford fans aside – wanted to see a spot-kick given for this. Had that been the case, we would have had a different game on our hands.
As it is, Everton came out on top 1-0 thanks to Idrissa Gueye’s goal on the hour mark at Goodison Park.
Premier League safety is now secured, despite the best efforts of Premier League chiefs to stop that, and supporters can finally breathe easily again.
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