Everton’s defeat on Monday evening against Leeds United was a bitter pill to swallow.
David Moyes’ side never really got going at Elland Road, but the manner of the defeat sparked further controversy on the opening weekend of the season.
The penalty was awarded against James Tarkowski for handball, which saw Lukas Nmecha slam the ball beyond Jordan Pickford.
After the game, Tarkowski was left baffled by the referee’s penalty decision, as the Everton captain admitted it was the linesman who gave it.
It was a decision which had everyone in the game sharing their opinions on.
The penalty award was not the only controversial handball decision given over the weekend, but this really angered those on Merseyside.
Speaking to Everton News, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has now shared his verdict on the incident.
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Everton defender James Tarkowksi.
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Mark Clattenburg issues James Tarkowski penalty verdict after Leeds United vs Everton
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher agreed a penalty was correct, but it is a decision which has sparked a lot of frustration among fans.
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Tarkowski had his arm by his side, and yet, the defender was penalised.
After the game, Clattenburg shared his own thoughts on the penalty award, which handed Leeds the three points in the end.
“Chris Kavanaugh has a big decision to make when the ball strikes Everton’s James Tarkowski arm inside the penalty area after Anton Stach’s shot at goal,” he said.
“While Tarkowski does have his arm close to his body, he does move his body and arm towards the ball with his arm, which gives an impression that he is trying to save the ball using his arm.
“Also if the ball strikes that arm, particularly if it is blocking a shot on goal, there is a greater likelihood that it will be penalised.
“I can see why the referee has given the penalty, and after the award, the VAR will not get involved as it’s not an error from the referee but a subjective call. I have no problem with the on-field call as long as they are consistent in their approach this season regarding handballs, as this law always creates controversy.”
Not what Everton fans will want to hear, but this is a topic which has caused huge controversy in the hours since Kavanagh awarded the penalty.
Everton’s dreadful record with Kavanagh in charge continues.
What David Moyes said about Leeds’ penalty decision
Moyes immediately spoke to the referee after the game, and the Scot was left absolutely baffled by his response.
“I’ve been in and spoken to the referee. They seem to think because you lean, your arms can go away. You’re allowed to lean in football, unless someone’s going to pull one of these rules out that if you lean, it’s a penalty,” said Moyes.
“The ball took a deflection, I don’t know where Tarky would have had to get his arm chopped off to. It wasn’t outside his body, it wasn’t doing anything different.”
Penalty aside, Moyes is pushing for more Everton signings, and Monday night showed the need to get more through the door.
This summer was always going to be difficult, but there is a lot of work still needed on Merseyside.