Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has reacted to receiving his fifth booking of the season last night.
The 27-year-old received the yellow card for what looked like a clean and fair tackle on Kyle Walker-Peters.
The Blues had taken the lead through a first-half Michael Keane header. However, a 65th minute Jarrod Bowen effort restored parity.
The game ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, however Dewsbury-Hall’s booking is perhaps even more frustrating.
Indeed, the former Chelsea midfielder referred to the decision as ‘mind-boggling’.
Speaking on X (formerly Twitter) at full-time, the midfielder wrote: “Forgive me if I’m wrong, and I might be, but some of these decisions are so hard to take. Mind boggling.”
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You’re not wrong, Kiernan. If anything, mind-boggling is perhaps too polite. A more appropriate description would be an utter disgrace.
The summer signing will now miss Sunday’s home game against high-flying Crystal Palace through suspension.
Indeed, after picking up five yellow cards, the 27-year-old will now serve a one-match ban.
It is a big blow for the Blues, with Dewsbury-Hall quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Moyes’ side.
The midfielder was visibly frustrated upon receiving the booking, dropping to his knees and punching the turf in anger.
Teammate Jack Grealish appeared equally outraged at the decision, while the crowd at Hill Dickinson made their feelings clear.
It’s the second time in a week Dewsbury-Hall has unjustly found himself in the referee’s notebook.
He received a booking during the Merseyside derby for attempting a quick free-kick. Perhaps that rule was specifically implemented for visits to Anfield?
The standard of refereeing has been atrocious for years now, but seems to be getting worse.
The complete lack of consistency is the only consistent aspect of an organisation who still fail to appropriately officiate despite every technological advantage.
Dewsbury-Hall will be a big miss on Sunday. Should he be fit in time, perhaps it’s an opportunity for summer signing Merlin Rohl.
