Michael Salisbury should be ‘suspended for the season’ as ex-refs chief rages at West Ham-Everton controversy
Michael Salisbury should not be selected for another game this season after a huge error in Everton‘s defeat to West Ham.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the VAR official is at serious risk of having his position reviewed ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The Hammers claimed an all-important victory in the Premier League relegation battle, while David Moyes’ side missed out on the chance to move closer to European qualification at the London Stadium.
In the 85th minute, the Toffees were crying out for a late penalty, with the ball clearly striking Mateus Fernandes’ hand, but calls fell upon deaf ears as Everton fell to defeat on Saturday, 25 April.
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VISIT THE EVERTON MATCH HUBMichael Salisbury must be punished for blatant Everton controversy
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “This is handball. It’s so obvious. How else can anybody say that it’s not? I just shudder because the focus isn’t there.
“I’m not blaming the referee here because he hasn’t got the right view. He’s relying on two people – the assistant referee and VAR.
“For VAR to say it’s not an offence is beyond me. This is wrong by VAR. We’re getting to the end of the season, and if it were me, he wouldn’t be appointed. His season is over.
| Premier League stats | Everton | West Ham |
| Penalties awarded | 2 | 3 |
| Penalties conceded | 4 | 6 |
“I would seriously review his position on the list. He’s in that danger zone. His dad was a very good referee. Hopefully, his dad gives him some operational advice.”
What did Dermot Gallagher say about the incident?
Dermot Gallagher is often criticised for his opinion on Sky Sports, sometimes accused of siding with the referees due to his link to the PGMOL, but he has admitted that the wrong decision was made.
Speaking on Sky Sports ref watch, the ex-Premier League official said: “I think it’s a penalty. It’s handball. The feeling was that he accidentally caught the ball, but I’m not sure.”
Even Martin Keown admitted that a penalty should have been awarded against West Ham, with both Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Callum Wilson going on to hit the back of the net after the incident.
Had Salisbury intervened from Stockley Park, the Toffees might have gone on to claim all three points, but instead, they were forced to return to Merseyside with nothing to show for their endeavours.
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