Pundit suggests Everton ‘agenda’ as Premier League referee is criticized after latest controversy.
Michael Ball questions if referee Craig Pawson has an "agenda" against Everton after controversial decision against Newcastle United.
The Premier League referee was at the center of attention during Everton’s goalless draw at Goodison Park on Saturday, 5 October, after a penalty claim by Dominic Calvert-Lewin was waved away.
Despite the striker’s appeals for a foul by Dan Burn, VAR also denied the penalty, leading to criticism from former Everton left-back Michael Ball, who hinted at bias from the official, Craig Pawson.
In an article published by the Liverpool Echo on Tuesday, 8 October, Ball expressed his frustration: “Craig Pawson has made seven or eight significant decisions that have gone against Everton Football Club repeatedly.
I don’t understand why he’s still allowed to referee our matches.
He had a poor game, and for years, we’ve been on the wrong end of major decisions with him, even when he’s been part of VAR.
Even Neil Warnock has famously questioned if Pawson has an agenda against Everton.”
The issue of whether Everton are unfairly treated by Premier League referees has been a long-standing debate among fans.
Supporters at Goodison Park believe decisions often go against their team, although fans of other clubs likely feel the same about their own.
While there is no reason to think the Premier League holds anything against Everton, it is puzzling why Calvert-Lewin wasn’t awarded a penalty against Newcastle.
Burn clearly impeded Calvert-Lewin by sticking out his leg, tripping the striker in the penalty area.
Despite the use of VAR, the technology remains prone to human error, as the officials at Stockley Park are responsible for interpreting and communicating the incidents to the referee.
Although Everton fans can’t argue with the penalty James Tarkowski conceded after pulling down Sandro Tonali, they do demand consistency in officiating.
