Everton news: Pundit issues 'unbelievable' Richarlison verdict as controversial picture analysed
Paul Robinson has leapt to the defence of Richarlison after the Everton striker threw a flare back into the stands at Goodison Park.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former England number one suggested the 24-year-old made the action "to make sure fans didn't get in trouble."
Richarlison scored the only goal of the game on Sunday as the Toffees secured a vital three points against Chelsea.
As pictured by Goal (1 May), the Brazil international threw a flare into the stands at Goodison Park when celebrating the goal.
According to The Guardian (2 May), the FA are investigating the incident for which Richarlison could face retrospective action.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the controversy, Robinson said:
"Flares are dangerous and they are banned from football grounds for a reason. They should not be inside the ground in the first place and the fans should not be throwing them onto the field.
"Without knowing where he has thrown it, it is difficult to comment. You wouldn't think for one minute that he's thrown it into his supporters.
"He might have thought to get it off the pitch quickly to make sure the fans didn't get in trouble. Richarlison scored and would have wanted the game to continue.
"I don't for one minute believe he threw it at his own supporters without seeing where the flare ended up."