Orel Mangala, Everton badge
Orel Mangala was pinged in Everton v Wolves (Credit: Amazon Sports)
Keith Hackett
Wed 4 December 2024 21:26, UK
James Tarkowski’s disallowed goal in Everton against Wolves should not have been ruled out, according to former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
The centre-back leapt high to head home from Dwight McNeil’s free-kick at Goodison Park after Ashley Young had already established a 1-0 lead.
However, referee Michael Salisbury was instructed to go and check the pitchside monitors by VAR after Orel Mangala – who was initially stood offside – was seen tussling with Mario Lemina.
Salisbury ultimately opted to chalk the goal off, with Sean Dyche visibly frustrated about the decision on the touchline, although his side did go on to win Wednesday’s (4 December) game 4-0.
Former PGMOL chief Hackett thinks that officials must have been instructed to “clamp down” on holding and blocking and, having seen footage of the incident, said that he would have allowed the goal to stand with Salisbury in a good position to see the alleged offence.
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Speaking to Goodison News, Hackett said: “In recent seasons we have witnessed referees fail to penalise holding and blocking offences inside the penalty area at free-kicks and corner kicks.
“On the clip the referee ideally positioned appears to be happy to allow the goal. I do not see how this incident can then be determined to be a clear-and-obvious error.
“Have the PGMOL instructed their referees to suddenly have a clamp down? I would have expected this goal to stand and not to be chalked off.”
Everton get the win v Wolves despite VAR controversy
From the Toffees’ perspective, it ultimately ended up making no difference as, coincidentally, Mangala would go on to score a fine second before half-time as Everton wound up comfortable winners.
It ended up being a huge result for Everton, who were soundly beaten 4-0 at Manchester United last time out and the win eases some of the growing pressure on the shoulders of Sean Dyche.
Goodison Park
Goodison Park, the home of Everton [Credit: Imago]
However, it could easily have been a different story and most supporters will agree with Hackett’s assessment that the goal should absolutely have stood.
With fixtures against Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City still to come this month, it was a result that was badly needed.
In other Everton news, another ex-ref had a very different view to Hackett.
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