Jack Grealish at centre of ‘mind-blowing’ controversy in Everton loss to Liverpool
Everton star Jack Grealish looking confused, Arne Slot and David Moyes in insets.
Jack Grealish was heavily involved as Everton lost 2-1 away at Liverpool on Saturday.
Grealish was Everton’s best player at Anfield, as he constantly tried to get the Blues back into the Merseyside derby.
Everton will be aggrieved after Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring, as there was a foul in the build-up to the goal.
Idrissa Gueye pulled one back after Hugo Ekitike had doubled the Reds’ lead, but it was not enough for the Toffees to take any points.
Everton star Idrissa Gueye in action.
Credit: Imago
Darren England slammed for Liverpool vs Everton display
Everton boss David Moyes had praised Darren England previously, but the referee’s performance was baffling in the Merseyside derby.
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Liverpool Echo reporter Tony Scott slammed England for not booking Conor Bradley for constantly fouling Grealish in the Toffees’ defeat.
Taking to X on 20 September, he said: “Pity we waited until 2 goals down to get out of bed but plenty to like about today’s performance.
“Very unlucky not to get anything from the game.
“Jack Grealish best player on the pitch. Darren England allowing Connor Bradley to kick him at every opportunity was mind-blowing.”
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David Moyes rightfully furious with refereeing display in Everton loss
The Blues may well have lost anyway as they allowed the champions to race into a two-goal lead, but their chances to secure a famous comeback were not helped by England.
He failed to book Bradley for fouling Grealish on a regular basis, but booked Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for taking a free-kick quickly.
Grealish was fouled six times in the contest, according to Sofascore
Bradley committed four fouls in the match
Liverpool were given two bookings, while the Blues were handed three yellow cards
The decision to only add three minutes has caused controversy too, but the other two calls are even more egregious.
There is no reason why the Reds’ ace should not have been booked while Dewsbury-Hall was, which leaves him on the verge of a suspension.
There should be consistency between decisions, where the same calls are given for both teams in a match, and there definitely was not on this occasion at Anfield.
It seems as if there is a big six bias, and England’s latest display will not do anything to dispel those feelings, as he failed to award Moyes’ side what they deserved.
Everton fought back valiantly, but they may have been doomed from the start when the 39-year-old was appointed to officiate.
