Mark Clattenburg feels Everton were fortunate to have a penalty awarded against them for a foul on Arsenal’s Kai Havertz.
The loss in north London was harsh on Everton; it was a performance that should fill David Moyes with plenty of encouragement.
It could have been much different after Andy Madley waved away Arsenal’s claims for a foul on Havertz from Keane inside the first-half.
Who was your Man of the Match in what was a positive performance? 👏
The players deserved so much more… 😡
Michael Keane in action for Everton during a Premier League clash against Arsenal
Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Everton have had a number of controversial decisions go against them this season – including in the reverse fixture – but the consensus is Moyes’ side got away with one on Saturday.
Arsenal v Everton - Premier League
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Mark Clattenburg shares Kai Havertz penalty verdict from Arsenal vs Everton
The Premier League shared why Havertz was not awarded a penalty, with the German going down under pressure from Keane.
Speaking to Everton News, Clattenburg has admitted he thought Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty.
Were Everton fortunate to get away with this one? 🫣
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Kai Havertz of Arsenal is challenged by Michael Keane of Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
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“Arsenal are very unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty kick for a challenge by Michael Keane of Everton on Kai Havertz of Arsenal in the penalty area,” Clattenburg told Everton News.
“I can understand why Andy Madley, the referee, could miss this as he may be looking at the upper body, but I cannot accept why the VAR does not recommend a review as the replay clearly shows Keane standing on Havertz ankle while challenging for the ball.
“This is a situation where referees do not understand football. Why would Havertz go down when he is inside the penalty area, has control of the ball and has a clear chance to score a goal.
“Even if a penalty was awarded, a yellow card would have been issued for this goal scoring opportunity as it was a genuine attempt to play the ball.”
Moyes was furious with Arsenal’s penalty against Everton earlier in the season. Perhaps this was a case of Everton getting the rub of the green for once.
Jamie Redknapp stunned by Havertz penalty decision
Clattenburg’s verdict was shared by Jamie Redknapp, who was analysing the game for Sky Sports.
Keane had an excellent game, for what it’s worth, but Redknapp firmly believes a spot kick should have been awarded against him.
“It’s so clear. How on earth have VAR taken three seconds to say that’s not a penalty? That’s a horrendous decision,” he said.
James Tarkowski was absent due to injury, which provided Keane an opportunity back in the starting XI.
Everton have had more than their fair share of poor decisions go against them this season, which will leave a lot of fans amused by the uproar this incident caused.
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