David Moyes looking furious and former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher.
(Credit: Imago/Sky Sports)
Declan Carr
Mon 25 August 2025 11:54, UK
Everton started the Hill Dickinson Stadium era with a 2-0 victory over Brighton on Sunday.
Goals from Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner were the difference, with new addition Jack Grealish notching two assists on his home debut.
David Moyes‘ side secured their first win of the Premier League season after Everton’s 1-0 defeat away to Leeds on the opening day.
That defeat was down to a controversial penalty given against James Tarkowski, and the clash with the Seagulls was also affected by a refereeing decision.
James Tarkowski
Tarkowski had a decision go against him against Leeds. (Credit: Imago)
Everton fans will be furious amid Dermot Gallagher claim
If the Tarkowski decision was bad, the Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall one against Fabian Hurzeler’s side was arguably worse.
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The ex-Chelsea man blocked Yakuba Minteh’s shot with his arm from close proximity, and the spot kick was confirmed with the help of VAR.
Don Hutchinson believes that there was nothing that the Everton man could have done to stop the ball from hitting his hand.
However, ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher did not agree with that assessment of the controversial incident.
Speaking on Sky Sports on 25 August (9:13 am), he said: “It is harsh, but it is the law, isn’t it.
“If you look at it, his arms out, it hits his arm, it is a shot on goal.
“It is always going to be punished; once your arm is up that high, it is always going to be given.”
Referees need to do better amid Everton drama
Jordan Pickford ultimately saved the penalty with the help of his controversial cheat sheet, but it should not have been given in the first place, as it was a ludicrous decision.
The ball was far too close to Dewsbury-Hall to be given a penalty, and it was a poor judgment call from referee Stuart Atwell.
Luckily, it did not ruin the Toffees’ opening match at their new stadium as Pickford denied Danny Welbeck, but it was another contentious decision that went against the Blues.
Chris Kavanagh has been a particular thorn in Everton’s side, but he is not the only official to give contentious calls against Moyes’ side.
There needs to be consistency across the league, and right now, that does not feel like the case, especially when it comes to the Blues and the decisions that are given against them.
The referees need to do better as a collective and avoid creating further controversy when there should not be any.
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