‘I expect David Moyes to phone Howard Webb over Aston Villa controversy – this is why the Everton boss is wrong’
David Moyes will be in the wrong should he phone Howard Webb to complain over a decision made in Everton’s win over Aston Villa.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that referee Tony Harrington and VAR correctly disallowed a goal at Villa Park on Sunday, 18 January.
Everton were knocked out of the FA Cup by Sunderland before travelling to the Midlands to secure three points on the road, with the only goal coming from Thierno Barry in the 59th minute.
Villa had a chance to close the gap on Arsenal, much like Man City before their defeat to Man United, but the Toffees had other ideas away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Jake O’Brien’s early opener was disallowed vs Aston Villa
Moyes’ side might have taken a much earlier lead, having hit the post after just 11 seconds through Merlin Rohl, with a set-piece goal also disallowed in the 34th minute.
Jake O’Brien has been a star for Everton, even out of position, and it was the defender who found the back of the net, only for the offside flag to be raised by the assistant referee.
It appeared that Harrison Armstrong was in an offside position when the cross was delivered, but having not made contact in the penalty area, the travelling fans were up in arms with the decision.
Re-analysing the footage, Hackett was absolutely sure that the correct decision was reached, and having dealt with Moyes during his time at the PGMOL, he is also certain how the manager will react.
Howard Webb will be hearing from David Moyes on Monday
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “If you take the law, and the action of a player in an offside position, he’s come from an offside position, and he’s attempted to head the ball.
“That has impacted other players, which is why it’s been given as offside. He’s been deemed active. It’s a pity because it’s a good goal, but in law, the match officials have to rule it out.
“I would expect Howard Webb to receive a phone call from David Moyes in the morning, questioning the decision. I hope Webb demonstrates why it’s been ruled out.
“When we look at football, and the low number of goals scored, we should always look at, ‘why have we got to rule this out?’”