Date published: Saturday 26th February 2022 8:28 – News Desk
Frank Lampard cannot fathom why Everton were not awarded a penalty for “a clear, clear handball” in their defeat to Manchester City.
The Toffees lost out to Phil Foden’s late winner after a hard-fought encounter at Goodison Park.
Despite their relegation concerns, Everton offered a hugely encouraging performance to push the leaders.
Upon being asked if the result was hard to take, Lampard told Sky Sports: “I think on performance alone then yes. When you play against City you understand how the game may go – possession against you, having to defend, to press to cover, we did it brilliantly.
“The first half was immense from us. I think we deserved something. They created chances in the second half, nothing in the first.
“Every player for the application for what they did, their braveness on the ball… I am very proud and on reflection we will look back and think ‘what a performance’.
“We are hurting a bit because of the performance and of a huge decision.”
That decision saw Rodri escape punishment after the ball struck his arm in the City box late on.
Premier League clarify that the VAR team didn’t think there was conclusive evidence that the ball hit Rodri more in the red area of the arm than the green. Nothing to do with offside pic.twitter.com/h6QhS6SEaW
— Simon Bajkowski (@spbajko) February 26, 2022
Lampard was furious that Paul Tierney was not sent to look at the video: “I was calm, I was not shouting and ranting at him. I wanted to know if offside in the build up but I have been told it wasn’t in the build up.
“Go to VAR, they have two minutes to look at it and to think that Chris Kavanagh has not given that as a penalty when it strikes him on the arm, in an unnatural position. I have a three-year-old daughter at home who could tell you that was a penalty.
“We are fighting at the bottom of the table and they are fighting at the top and an easy decision to give on a penalty. I don’t know what has to happen as a reflection of that. A mistake is when you have done something wrong and don’t have time to think about it, they had two minutes to digest the handball.
“Even if the VAR says not sure, then go have a look. It is incompetence at best, if not that then someone needs to explain what it is.
“It’s a clear, clear handball.”