JUST IN: “I don’t think it’s a penalty kick in my opinion” Mike Dean shows 100% Disbelief in ref 1st Half spot kick awarded to Town live on Sports Amid the Toffees nearly fall for VAR blunder.
The Toffees secured their second Premier League win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday, October 19, thanks to goals from Iliman Ndiaye and Michael Keane.
Ipswich were awarded a penalty midway through the first half after Dwight McNeil was judged to have fouled Jack Clarke in the box. However, both the referee, Dean, and the VAR agreed there wasn’t enough contact to warrant a foul.
Speaking on *Sky Sports Soccer Saturday* (October 19, 15:43), it was commented: “Everton have had two decisions go against them or get overturned, but this one looks similar.
“It seems like Clarke kicked the back of McNeil’s leg and then went down. In my opinion, it’s not a penalty.
“If he kicks the back of McNeil’s leg, it’s not automatically a foul just because McNeil’s foot is there.”
Did Ipswich deserve a penalty in their clash with Everton at Portman Road?
It’s about time Everton got some luck with these types of contentious decisions, especially in the penalty area.
Sean Dyche had been growing frustrated with officiating and VAR decisions before the October international break, suggesting the Blues boss didn’t expect any 50-50 calls to go Everton’s way.
But this time, common sense seems to have prevailed. McNeil was fully entitled to challenge for the ball, and he shouldn’t be penalized for Clarke accidentally kicking his standing leg, even if it disrupted Clarke’s shot attempt.
Hopefully, the international break allowed officials to reconsider what should and shouldn’t be considered a penalty. As long as there’s consistency moving forward, neither Dyche nor Everton fans will have any reason to complain.