PGMOL expert blasts ‘worst decision of the season’ as Everton vs Sunderland footage re-analysed
John Brooks got one decision horribly wrong as Everton were knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties by Sunderland on Saturday.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that David Moyes’ side did not deserve extra time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 10 January.
Enzo Le Fee opened the scoring with a fine effort, with not even an in-form Jordan Pickford able to thwart it, and it appeared by all accounts that the Black Cats would seal their spot in the fourth round.
However, the Toffees were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute, a decision which left Granit Xhaka absolutely fuming, and James Garner fired past Robin Roefs to force extra time.
While Regis Le Bris‘ side still managed to win the game, advancing after a penalty shootout, the first spot-kick remained the biggest talking point on Merseyside.
Adam Aznou accused of diving as Everton force penalties vs Sunderland
Adam Aznou made a huge impact for Everton, only leading to questions over why the summer signing has rarely featured under Moyes, having won what could have been a vital penalty.
After a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge from Trai Hume, the former Bayern Munich defender went to ground far too easily, but Brooks still pointed to the spot in the closing stages.
It is a decision which has left supporters absolutely baffled, and, having rewatched replays of the incident, Hackett simply cannot believe what he saw unfold at the Hill Dickinson.
The former head of the PGMOL already suggested that Premier League officials were exposed by no VAR in the FA Cup, with yet another incident proving that on Merseyside this weekend.
John Brooks awards ‘the worst decision of the season’ in FA Cup third round
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “This weekend, there have been some good performances, but we still have that penalty kick decision [in Everton versus Sunderland], which has got to be the worst decision of the season so far.
“How a referee can give a penalty for no offence is beyond me. It was such a bad dive that the player wasn’t even around. We’re seeing players feigning injury almost every game now.”