Mark Clattenburg does not believe Everton should have had a penalty against West Ham.
Everton slipped down the table on Saturday following a frustrating defeat at the London Stadium.
David Moyes was adamant Everton deserved a penalty for the handball appeal on West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
Can someone tell me why this wasn’t a penalty? 😤
A handball call on West Ham midfielder matheus fernandes against Everton.
Credit: GRV Media
Stuart Attwell was the man holding the whistle, with Clattenburg telling Everton News that he agreed with the on-field decision.
West Ham United v Everton - Premier League
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Mark Clattenburg issues handball verdict in West Ham vs Everton
During the game, the Premier League explained why Everton were not awarded a penalty, with the chiefs claiming it to be an accidental handball.
The sentiment was shared by Clattenburg, who also noted how the players could be seen grappling in the build-up.
Who was Everton’s worst player in the defeat against West Ham? 🫣
West Ham United v Everton - Premier League
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“It would have been harsh to punish West Ham’s midfielder Fernandes for a handball when the ball touched his hand,” Clattenburg told Everton News.
“The midfielder does not try to touch the ball with his hand while fighting for the ball with an Everton forward. The best decision was to play on.”
Everton are used to not getting the decisions in their favour, with last week also providing controversy.
Clattenburg rejected Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s penalty appeal in the Merseyside derby last weekend.
However, the handball on Fernandes looked much more blatant.
Everton were not good enough against West Ham
Controversial refereeing decisions have certainly played a part in Everton dropping points this season.
On Saturday, Everton were simply not good enough.
Everton were missing Beto, but Moyes has to look at their starting XI and consider where they could have done better.
Dwight McNeil and Thierno Barry offered very little going forward and there were defensive frailties from crosses again.
As frustrating as the handball decision was, Everton cannot let poor officiating paper over some of the cracks.
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