‘I thought that was a penalty!’: Gary Neville among fans who are left stunned by ‘incompetent’ Paul Tierney’s decision not to award Everton a spot-kick after ‘most blatant handball ever’ by Manchester City’s Rodri
Fans were left stunned by the decision not to award Everton a penalty against Manchester City after midfielder Rodri appeared to control the ball with his hand in the box.
Pep Guardiola’s side won 1-0 at Goodison Park as Phil Foden capitalised on poor Toffees defending to score in the 82nd minute.
But just three minutes later it seemed that Frank Lampard’s team would have the opportunity to equalise after what seemed to be a clear handball by Rodri.
Rodri appeared to control the ball with his hand in the last five minutes at Goodison Park
After a VAR check, it was ruled that the ball struck Rodri below the t-shirt line on his sleeve
The Spaniard stuck out his arm to control the ball in the area, which led to both VAR Chris Kavanagh and on-pitch referee Paul Tierney having a look at the incident.
However, a spot-kick was not awarded as the officials decided that the ball struck Rodri below the t-shirt line on his sleeve.
Gary Neville was among those who took to Twitter to share their confusion at the decision, as he wrote: ‘I thought that was a penalty!’.
Sports writer Paul Tomkins added: ‘I hope it was offside, as otherwise that penalty not given against Man City is an absolute scandal. About as blatant a handball as you’ll see bar going full Maradona.’
YouTuber Mark Goldbridge fumed: ‘Absolutely disgusted with the refereeing in this country. Absolutely had enough of it. They are beyond incompetent. Most blatant handball ever!’
‘This is not a penalty apparently. This league actually needs to buy referees from abroad. Unacceptable’, a Liverpool fan echoed.
An Everton supporter added: ‘@premierleague explain this??!!!! This is ridiculous! If this is Keane it’s a pen! Awful decision!’
Meanwhile, it was clear that Rodri knew he had had a lucky escape.
‘Even Rodri knew that was handball,’ broadcaster Bianca Westwood tweeted.
‘Don’t think I’ve seen a more guilty face than Rodri’s there,’ a fan added.
Manchester City held on for the win on Merseyside to move six points ahead of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.