Ex-refs chief: James Garner should have been sent off in major incident vs Aston Villa
James Garner was fortunate to still be on the pitch during Everton’s surprise 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Unai Emery can feel aggrieved over a push on Morgan Rogers at Villa Park.
The Villans missed their chance to move ahead of Man City, as Pep Guardiola’s side lost 2-0 to Man United, while Arsenal could only move seven points ahead at the top of the table with a draw on the road.
Thierno Barry did the damage in the Midlands, scoring the only goal of the game after 59 minutes on 18 January, pouncing on a mistake from Pau Torres, chipping over a helpless Emi Martinez.
Everton fortunate to keep 10 men on the pitch at Villa Park
Tony Harrington had the chance to completely change the game. Jake O’Brien already had a goal ruled out, with Harrison Armstrong judged to have interfered from an offside position.
And, already on a yellow card after a challenge on Emi Buendia, Garner raced back to stop a Rogers attack, bringing down the England international on the edge of the penalty area.
With no intention of playing the ball, everyone at Villa Park expected the referee to dish out another yellow card for the former Man United man, and then a red, but not even a foul was awarded.
Villa’s No.27 was in total disbelief, alongside the majority of the stadium, as the Toffees were allowed to escape with the ball and all 11 players on the pitch, and the decision is still being debated.
Tony Harrington completely in the wrong as Morgan Rogers shoved over
Settling the argument, however, Hackett put his foot down, astounded by no free-kick being awarded, making his feelings clear over Harrington’s missed red card for Everton.
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “With the attacker on his way to goal, and Garner already on a yellow, he knew he was going to be sent off.
“The forward received a big push in the back, which is when he should have been sent off.”