Everton's controversial penalty against Arsenal was more of a foul outside box, Dermot Gallagher says on Ref Watch

7 April 2025, 09:17 | Updated: 7 April 2025, 13:10

Dermot Gallagher says Everton were fortunate to be awarded a penalty in their draw with Arsenal, while the former Premier League referee also casts his eye over a number of other controversial calls this weekend.

Everton 1-1 Arsenal

'Foul happens OUTSIDE the box'

INCIDENT: Darren England awarded Everton a penalty at Goodison Park for what looked a soft challenge from Myles Lewis-Skelly on Jack Harrison. VAR agreed with the referee.

DERMOT SAYS: "I think if you're going to give a foul to the forward in this instance, more of the foul occurs outside the area. Then he lets go of him. I don't think it's a penalty.

"The player's reaction is key. But it's never going to be overturned when given on-pitch."

SUE SMITH SAYS: "I do think it's soft. But Lewis-Skelly does fall onto him inside the area. I think that's never going to get overturned. You can see why the referee has given it. He does connect with him."

STEPHEN WARNOCK SAYS: "I'm still 50/50. I understand why it's given because it's clumsy. But if it's not given I understand that because there's little contact. Would that have been a foul anywhere else on the pitch? I think it would."

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