Ashley Young deserved to be sent off amid the drama during the 2-2 draw between Everton and Man United, Chris Sutton has claimed.
The 35-year-old had only come onto the pitch as a replacement for the injured Jesper Lindstrom as the Toffees threw away a two-goal lead at Goodison Park on 22 February.
Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s first-half goals meant David Moyes‘ side were cruising, looking to win their fifth Premier League game since parting ways with Sean Dyche.
However, with both Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte netting to set up a dramatic finish, an already yellow-carded Young threw himself into the action just before the final whistle.
Attempting to reach a ball in the box, the former Man United man appeared to be tugged back by Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, with referee Andy Madley awarding Everton a spot-kick.
But with the referee advised to take a second look at the incident on the pitchside monitor, the decision was eventually overturned and the sides had to settle for one point each.
Ashley Young accused of diving in controversial incident
Sutton not only believes the penalty was rightly overturned but also thinks the Toffees veteran should have been dismissed for simulation.
Speaking via BBC Radio 5 Live [23 February], he said: “Ashley Young, I think he embellished his dive. I think he dived. I think there was a tug on the shirt, but the fact he’s trying to con the referee into winning a penalty.
“I think that was the correct decision. I think the fact that he played for it, he shouldn’t be awarded a penalty and do you know what, it should have been a second yellow for him – there’s one for you. He was booked earlier so it should have been a second yellow.”
There is some sort of sense to the idea. If Young was denied a penalty, that would indicate that he dived, though he was not shown a second yellow card by the referee.
It is difficult to understand why the penalty was overturned, though.
The Toffees already have more league wins under Moyes than they did under Dyche this season, showcasing just how easily the team were sleepwalking towards relegation.
Beto is firing on all cylinders, which has come at the perfect time due to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s new injury at Everton, and Doucoure also looks back to his very best in front of goal.
With two late goals conceded, and only a point won at Goodison Park, though, Moyes will still be incredibly frustrated by how his team capitulated in front of their home supporters.
There are still problems to solve on Merseyside, but as long as Moyes can secure safety for the Toffees, there is not too much else to worry about this season.
