Ex-refs chiefs drops 'red card' verdict as controversial Everton vs Chelsea footage re-analysed

Harrison Armstrong was fortunate not to be shown a straight red card during Everton's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the academy product's foul on Josh Acheampong could have put him in hot water.

The game was a feisty affair, with Paul Tierney issuing five yellow cards before the 35th minute. Armstrong was the first one those to be cautioned.

Despite home supporters applauding the 19-year-old's challenge, Chelsea players were absolutely furious when Tierney only pulled out the yellow card.

VAR did check Armstrong's challenge for a potential red card, but those back at Stockley Park felt that Tierney hadn't made a clear and obvious error.

It is, however, still being heavily debated, with a very experienced former referee now weighing in on the conversation.

Harrison Armstrong puts himself 'in danger' of red card

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett believes that Armstrong can count himself lucky not to receive his marching orders in the first half.

"This is borderline serious foul play. I think that because his left leading leg is well away from his opponent. They judged it correctly by issuing a yellow.

"It is evident that if VAR had intervened, then the referee may have issued a red card.

"These challenges, where the player is off the ground, and moves with excessive force, puts the player in danger of getting a red for serious foul play."

What did Darren Cann say?

Football fans are likely to debate this one, with some believing that the decision wasn't harsh enough, while others loved the old-fashioned challenge.

Darren Cann, a former Premier League referee, is leaning towards the final decision being the correct one, stating that it simply isn't allowed in the modern game.

Speaking to BBC Sport, using all his expertise, he said: "It was 100 per cent a yellow card for a reckless tackle in the modern game.

"It doesn't matter that Harrison Armstrong got a bit of the ball; he went in recklessly and the yellow card was correctly issued by Paul Tierney."