Keith Hackett has offered his opinion on Everton’s defense of the equalizing goal they gave up to Ipswich Town.
The Toffees can’t complain about George Hirst’s goal being allowed to stand, the former PGMOL chief and former FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider.
On Saturday, May 3, Everton lost a 2-0 lead against already-relegated Ipswich 2-2 in their penultimate match at Goodison Park.
However, the nature of the Tractor Boys’ equalizing goal did not sit well with David Moyes’ team.
At Goodison Park, George Hirst scores a point.
After 35 minutes, goals from Beto and Dwight McNeil had put the home team firmly in control of the match, but Julio Enciso gave Ipswich a dramatic comeback just before halftime.
With just over ten minutes of regular time left, Hirst headed in an Omari Hutchinson cross at the back post to complete the visitors’ comeback.
Analysis of Everton’s frustrations
The former referee responded as follows when asked by Football Insider if it was the proper choice to let the goal stand in spite of those complaints:
“I believe the referee made the right decision in this one, and to be fair to him, he also signaled that play goes on because he’s nearby.
Since he might conclude that the Ipswich player, not the Everton player, was fouled, he has actually applied, but it is not an advantage.
The Everton player gave the challenge his all, but he has remained down because he is unable to get back up and is hoping the referee will blow.
However, in this instance, I believe the referee is [correct] in permitting play to continue and a goal to be scored.
Actually, the refereeing is quite good. Everton’s next game is on Saturday, May 10, when they travel to Craven Cottage to play Fulham. That same day, Ipswich will host Brentford.
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