Keith Hackett expects an Everton player to be contacted by the Football Association (FA) over comments made after the Manchester United draw.
O’Brien played the full 90 minutes as Everton played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Man United at Goodison Park on Saturday (22 February).
The game was packed full of controversial moments, not least the decision to award Everton a penalty that was ultimately rescinded after VAR intervened.
Former Premier League referee Hackett believes Andy Madley should have stuck with his decision to award a penalty for a foul on Ashley Young.
Jake O’Brien speaks out on Everton v Man United penalty controversy
Everton’s players were rightly furious after the game as they felt they were robbed of a chance to score a later winner in the final fixture with United to be staged at Goodison Park.
O’Brien publicly criticised experienced referee Madley when speaking to reporters post-match.
In quotes reported by BBC Sport, the Toffees defender said: “He’s got decisions wrong, not just the penalty but many that didn’t go our way and could have changed the game.”
When asked if those comments could land O’Brien in hot water, Hackett exclusively told Goodison News: “The FA take a dim view of players passing comments on the game. They are likely to write him and seek his observations.
“In the circumstances he may escape a fine. Really depends on his previous disciplinary record.”
Everton still reeling from Man United draw
First and foremost, David Moyes will not be happy at his players for chucking away a rather comfortable two-goal lead.
However, had it not been for a terrible refereeing call late on, the three points surely would have gone Everton‘s way.
As it is, focus now quickly shifts to the midweek Premier League trip to Brentford, where the Toffees will look to extend their unbeaten run in the competition to seven games.
Victory in that one and the Man United furore can be put in the past. Fingers crossed the game goes by without any controversial moments – or at least not any that go against Moyes’ men.
