Everton were involved in a disciplinary nightmare on Wednesday night.
David Moyes watched on at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Everton failed to beat a Wolves side with only seven points to their name this season, while Michael Keane and Jack Grealish were sent off in the 1-1 draw too.
However, it is a mystery as to why Thomas Kirk and those in the VAR booth allowed Hwang Hee-chan to stay on the pitch after a gruesome challenge on Harrison Armstrong.
Officials should hang their heads in shame after Hwang Hee-chan incident in Everton 1-1 Wolves
Somehow, the officials were able to see Keane tug on the hair of Tolu Arokodare while competing for a header, but missed a horrendous challenge from Hwang on Armstrong.
Can you name the other three? 🤔
Still cannot believe Keane was sent of for this!
The South Korea international left his studs high up on the Everton No.45’s calf – and even had both feet off the ground as he jumped into the challenge.
Hwang somehow only escaped with a yellow card, and the incident was not even checked by the VAR.
It was incredibly similar – if not worse – than a recent challenge on Virgil van Dijk from Xavi Simons, which saw the Tottenham No.7 receive a straight red card.
If that foul – which only happened as recently as 20th December – was deemed a straight red card, then it makes no sense that Hwang was allowed to stay on the pitch.
Everton must complain to the Football Association about Michael Keane dismissal
While nothing can be done about the foul on Harrison from Hwang, Everton must appeal the decision to send Keane off.
Who takes the Man of the Match for you? 😬
There is no doubt in the rulebook that a tug of the hair should result in a straight red card, but this was a unique situation in the Premier League – one that has left Moyes furious.
Arokodare – who actually felt the dismissal was harsh – and Keane were simply challenging for a header, and while the Everton No.5 undoubtedly has a fistful of the Nigerian’s hair, he is not exactly reaching for it deliberately.
The Wolves No.14 has lengthy locks which trail down his back, so were it any other player, Keane would have just been involved in a normal aerial duel with a bit of shirt-tugging which Kirk most likely would have overlooked.
If this can be considered a red card, Moyes might as well tell his squad to grow their hair out and all adopt a ponytail style.
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