Keith Hackett has voiced his criticism of the referees following Everton’s disappointing FA Cup third-round loss to Sunderland. The match saw Sunderland take the lead against Everton with a well-taken goal by Enzo Le Fee, but Everton fought back, with Adam Aznou winning a penalty in the 89th minute to equalize. Despite their efforts, Sunderland emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, booking their spot in the fourth round while knocking Everton out of the competition.
Hackett expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision to award the late penalty, arguing that the absence of VAR to review the call added to the controversy. Nonetheless, Hackett acknowledged that Everton had a legitimate claim for a penalty earlier in the game when Beto was fouled by Luke O’Nien.
The recent string of questionable decisions, including the contentious Michael Keane red card and disputed penalties in previous matches, has intensified scrutiny on the match officials. The suspension of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for accumulating yellow cards in a match against Liverpool also highlighted the challenges faced by referees in making consistent and fair decisions.
The late penalty call that went in Everton’s favor seemed to mark a turning point in their luck, providing some consolation after a series of decisions had gone against them in recent matches. The incident served as a reminder of the unpredictability and debates surrounding refereeing decisions in football, underscoring the need for greater clarity and consistency in officiating.
