Chris Kavanagh has been stood down because of his FA Cup performance at the weekend just weeks on from David Moyes’ own criticism of the referee.
Everton have been caught up in a lot of refereeing controversies this season, with Kavanagh at the very heart of a recent one against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Moyes was awarded a yellow card by Kavanagh after the Toffees scored a stoppage time equaliser down at the Amex Stadium late last month.
After the game, Moyes warned the PGMOL over Kavanagh’s decision to book him, with the referee now being punished just weeks on for his actions.
It was the FA Cup meeting between Aston Villa and Newcastle United which has landed Kavanagh in hot water.
How did Keane get sent off and Kenny Tete escaped even giving away a foul? 😤
Everton get refereed differently to other teams! 😡
Michael Keane red card for Everton vs Wolves.
Credit: GRV Media
The warning signs were there for the PGMOL following Moyes’ stern criticism of the referee.
Leeds United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
David Moyes warned Chris Kavanagh of his poor decisions after Brighton vs Everton
Kavanagh awarded a controversial penalty against Everton at Leeds United in the opening game of the season.
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Since then, he is a referee that has not exactly been at the top of Moyes’ list.
Speaking after the game against Brighton, Moyes did not hold back with his criticism for Kavanagh following his yellow card for celebrating.
What is the WORST refereeing decision you’ve ever seen against Everton? 😫
There's plenty from Kavanagh to pick from…
Chris Kavanagh finally stood down by the Premier League.
Credit: Getty Images/Steve Bardens
“Who wants to see managers getting booked for celebrating? We’re killing it [the game],” he said in his press conference.
“The managers can’t come out of their technical area to celebrate a goal, knee sliding, do things which give you people [the media] quite a bit to talk about.”
“But you know, that shows they’ve got nothing about them at all. No thoughts about what football means to the managers. Sad, isn’t it? I’m still shaking my head.”
Kavanagh’s controversial decisions have now caught up with him less than three weeks later following his FA Cup performance.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United came out on top, but the 48-year-old also had some choice words to say about the Premier League official.
Eddie Howe suggests lazy refereeing after FA Cup controversy
“I think there’s an argument to say that, because when VAR is there, there’s always a, ‘Well, I won’t give that, but let’s check it’,” he said.
Kavanagh’s decision-making has finally come under the spotlight after numerous rounds of criticism from Moyes.
Date Match Incident
Aug 17, 2025 Everton 1-1 Leeds Awarded “harsh” penalty for Tarkowski handball; VAR did not overturn.
Feb 1, 2026 Brighton 1-1 Everton Booked David Moyes for celebrating Beto’s 97th-min equaliser on the pitch.
Feb 14, 2026 Villa 1-3 Newcastle (FA Cup) Failed to spot Tammy Abraham was offside for Villa’s opening goal.
Feb 14, 2026 Villa 1-3 Newcastle (FA Cup) Missed a red card challenge by Lucas Digne on Jacob Murphy.
Feb 14, 2026 Villa 1-3 Newcastle (FA Cup) Awarded a free-kick for a Digne handball inside the box.
Feb 16, 2026 Decision Kavanagh Stood Down
Even Richard Keys blasted Kavanagh for his penalty against Everton at the start of the season against Leeds.
The decisions from Kavanagh have been stacking up over the course of the season and Saturday’s cup clash at Villa Park has proven to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.
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