CEO of the Premier League, Richard Masters arriving at Craven Cottage for the game / Everton CEO Angus Kinnear in the stands
Credit: Imago
Harri Burton
Mon 27 April 2026 14:00, UK
Angus Kinnear should go over Howard Webb’s head to Premier League CEO Richard Masters after Everton were robbed of a penalty against West Ham.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Toffees’ CEO should also send a formal letter of complaint after scenes at the London Stadium.
In the 85th minute, with David Moyes’ side in search of an equaliser, Mateus Fernandes appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area, and even after a VAR review, no spot-kick was awarded.
The incident has caused a lot of frustration back at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Kinnear reportedly contacting the PGMOL on Monday, 26 April, to raise concerns over the consistency of refereeing [Paul Joyce].
#WHUEVE – 84’
The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Fernandes accidentally handled the ball while grappling with an opponent.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) April 25, 2026
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Angus Kinnear must go one step further over Everton controversy
Many supporters will admit that Jordan Pickford could have been sent off for a late challenge on Taty Castellanos, which would only add to the argument about the officials’ performances.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I think the chief executive has every right. David Moyes was very restrained in his comments because he doesn’t want a fine or to appear as a serial moaner.
“I hope he doesn’t just take it up with the PGMOL, but also with the Premier League itself. They fund the PGMOL. A formal letter of complaint should go in, asking for it to be discussed.
Premier League stats Everton West Ham
Penalties awarded 2 3
Penalties conceded 4 6
“It should go to Richard Masters, the CEO of the Premier League, asking for an explanation and what action he is taking as a member of the board of the PGMOL.”
West Ham also have reason to fume despite an important victory
As already mentioned, Pickford should have been sent off against West Ham, taking out the opposition striker inside the penalty area. A VAR review deemed it accidental.
The England international has a history of injuring players, though, having done the same to Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, and the same could have happened to Castellanos.
He could have easily broken the centre-forward’s leg, with the Hammers player rolling around in agony after Pickford’s follow-through landed on his ankle quite nastily.
Pickford may have been fortunate against Brentford, having been cautioned in the opening moments, and once again, the goalkeeper is at the centre of controversy again.
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