James Garner played his first game for Everton since winning the Player of the Match award on his England debut during the international break.
The Everton No.37 helped the Toffees record a precious point in a 2-2 draw at Brentford to keep David Moyes in with a shot at UEFA Champions League qualification, playing the full 90 minutes.
However, there was an incident in the 47th minute which James Garner described as the “worst” of his career on Instagram after the final whistle.
Who was your Man of the Match in that crunch game? 💪
Brentford v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images
James Garner questions Farai Hallam after “worst yellow card” ever received
Farai Hallam officiated the Premier League clash, and received some strong criticism from the England international on Instagram after the match.
Garner was booked for a strong – but fair – challenge on Dango Ouattara almost immediately after the interval despite cleanly winning the ball.
In response to that decision, the former Manchester United player wrote: “Tough point away from home! Also the worst yellow card I’ve ever received.”
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It was undoubtedly a shame to see Garner – who knows Everton target Rico Lewis well – punished for his challenge.
Football is going soft, with officials far too concerned about follow-throughs and how a tackle may look, rather than whether the ball was won, which should take precedence above all else.
Fortunately, it was only a yellow, and the 25-year-old managed to contribute to Everton picking up a vital point.
However, Garner could have potentially been more involved and made an even greater impact had he not needed to walk a tightrope for half the game, a direct outcome of Hallam harshly booking the man born in Birkenhead.
From the start of next season, those in the VAR booth will be checking yellow cards, so Everton will hopefully avoid situations like this one happening again.
Sum that one up for us, Blues! 🤩
Beto of Everton scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brentford and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Alex Broadway
Having said that, it will only cause more stoppages in play to a sport which is already ridden with disturbances caused by the controversial technology.
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