Everton vs Fulham ref watch: Three decisions Andy Madley got dreadfully wrong
David Moyes will have some choice words for referee Andy Madley after Everton’s Premier League victory against Fulham.
Idrissa Gueye has been a standout performer for Everton, and it was the Senegal international who opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time on Saturday, 8 November.
After Granit Xhaka scored Sunderland’s equaliser in the Toffees’ last Premier League outing, all three points at the Hill Dickinson Stadium were absolutely vital, helping them to rise five points above the relegation zone.
Michael Keane netted in the 81st minute with a fine header to ensure the points remained on Merseyside, and while it was a performance to be proud of, the same cannot be said for the referee.
Joachim Andersen avoids early booking after stopping Everton attack
Halfway through the first half, the Cottagers attempted to play out from the back, but the ball was cut out by Moyes’ side before firing it into Jack Grealish, who attempted to turn on the edge of the box.
However, Joachim Andersen was keen to make up for his initial mistake, crunching into the Man City loanee from behind and giving away a blatant free-kick.
Despite Grealish being fouled multiple times already, and the winger getting himself into a rather dangerous area, the centre-back avoided an early booking, which might have been key later in the game.
Sasa Lukic somehow escapes sending off for obvious second yellow card
Unsurprisingly, Sasa Lukic was the first player in the referee’s notebook after hauling Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to the ground in the first 10 minutes. He was already walking a tightrope.
Then, in the 40th minute, the midfielder was punished for bringing down the same player, who was charging down the left flank, with players furious that he was allowed to remain on the pitch.
Moyes couldn’t believe it, and nor could the home supporters, who began moaning and groaning at the referee. Marco Silva took action at half-time, replacing Lukic with Joshua King. Smart.
Andy Madley could have dealt with penalty area scuffle better
On the stroke of half-time, both Calvin Bassey and James Tarkowski went into the referee’s notebook after a scuffle inside the six-yard area, as the players awaited a corner kick.
Both players were booked for their role in the altercation, with one Fulham player ending up on the floor before the ball had even been kicked, but the stars were all smiles before the referee intervened.
There has been a real lack of consistency when it comes to punishing players at corners and free-kick situations, and it would have been much easier had Madley just spoken to the duo about their behaviour.