Exclusive: Referee praised despite Everton fury over Hirst’s Ipswich equaliser
Keith Hackett has given his verdict on arguments from Everton over the equalising goal they conceded against Ipswich Town.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider the Toffees can have no complaints about George Hirst‘s goal being allowed to stand.
In what was their penultimate game at Goodison Park, Everton threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with already-relegated Ipswich on Saturday (3 May).
David Moyes‘ side were however far from happy about the nature of that equalising goal for the Tractor Boys.
George Hirst earns a point at Goodison Park
Goals from Beto and Dwight McNeil had put the hosts well in control of the game after 35 minutes, only for Julio Enciso to pull one back for Ipswich in stunning style before the break.
The visitors then completed the comeback with just over ten minutes of normal time remaining, when Hirst headed in an Omari Hutchinson cross at the back post.
That was enough to ensure both sides settled for a point, extending a frustrating recent run of results for Everton.
| Everton last five games | Result |
| Arsenal (H) | Drew 1-1 |
| Nottingham Forest (A) | Won 1-0 |
| Manchester City (H) | Lost 2-0 |
| Chelsea (A) | Lost 1-0 |
| Ipswich Town (H) | Drew 2-2 |
Moyes’ side felt they should have been given a free kick after that move began when Jacob Greaves won possession off Nathan Patterson, who was left on the ground holding his face.
Hackett though, believes that the decision not to give Everton a set piece and instead allow the goal to stand was the right one by referee Lewis Smith.
Everton frustrations analysed
After being asked by Football Insider if allowing the goal to stand despite those complaints was the right decision, the former referee said:
“I think the referee’s judged this one correctly and in fairness to him, he’s also indicated, because he’s close by, that play continues.
“So he’s actually applied – it’s not an advantage – because in a sense he may judge that actually it’s the Ipswich player that’s been fouled, not the Everton player.
“The Everton player fully committed to the challenge, and then he’s stayed down because he can’t recover, so he’s hoping the referee will blow.
“But on this occasion I think the referee’s [right] by allowing play to continue and a goal results. It’s actually a good bit of refereeing.”
Everton are next in action when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Saturday (10 May), with Ipswich set to host Brentford on the same day.