Ian Snodin: Etihad penalty against Everton FC was harsh but correct

04 December 2012 11:55
It was typical rotten luck for Everton FC that ref Lee Probert decided to give a penalty against Marouane Fellaini at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

That’s not because it wasn’t a spot-kick – I’ve watched it several times and technically I understand why the ref gave it. But it just seems that if that is how the rules are going to be applied there will now be a several penalties in every Premier League game every weekend for the rest of the season. I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t have been calling for a penalty if Edin Dzeko had pulled Fellaini down in the opposite box, but I would never have dreamed it would be given. Every game you see defends and strikers not looking at the ball, as they pull each other’s shirts, block their runs and grapple as a corner is taken.

This was two very tall players with similar builds just jostling but crucially Dzeko timed his theatrical tumble just right for the ref to see it and make his mind up. I don’t think he gave it especially because it was Manchester City – but I do think it was very unlucky for the Blues and it’s coming on the back of a series of poor decisions from officials in recent weeks which must have David Moyes tearing his hair out. Latest Everton FC News Marouane Fellaini is too clever to leave Everton FC in January, insists Steven Pienaar. Dec 04 2012 Sylvain Distin says recent spell out of Everton FC team reinvigorated his hunger to carry on playing. Dec 04 2012

Source: liverpool_echo