Everton told why the outcome of red card appeal could be ‘unpredictable’

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Everton have confirmed they have lodged an appeal after Dominic Calvert-Lewin was sent off midweek.

Everton fans were sent into a frenzy when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was controversially shown a red card for a challenge on Nathaniel Clyne during their 0-0 stalemate with Crystal Palace.

The game was initially played on after Clyne was brought down, before VAR pulled it back and asked referee Chris Kavanagh to look at the monitor.

The official eventually sent Calvert-Lewin off and has since been slammed for his decision. Former boxer Tony Bellew has called the decision ‘disgraceful’, while talkSPORT pundit Alan Brazil has called Kavanagh and the VAR team ‘clowns’.

So it came as no surprise when Everton confirmed that they had notified the FA of their decision to appeal the red card.

ESPN journalist Dale Johnson has made his opinions on the incident very clear since the game took place earlier this week, initially writing on his X profile: “It’s given as a red card cos Dominic Calvert-Lewin slid into with his foot over the top of the ball and studs leading.

“It’s been judged this endangered the safety of the opponent. Exceptionally harsh VAR review. Everton appeal incoming…”

Following Everton’s statement regarding their appeal, Johnson shared his verdict on whether The Toffees would be successful.

He wrote: “I think Everton have a very good chance of winning the appeal. But I’d temper that by saying an FA independent disciplinary commission (made up of former players) can be quite unpredictable in its outcomes.”

Should Everton feel wrongly punished?

Everton fans will be left fuming if they don’t win this appeal, especially given their believed mistreatment by the Premier League this term.

Dale Johnson also pointed out that Kai Havertz escaped a VAR review for what looked like a much worse challenge on Sean Longstaff during Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle United in November.

The inconsistency in referee and VAR decisions is so abundantly clear and it is ruining football.

For some clubs it may not matter too much if they lose a point or a player here or there, but for clubs like Everton, who are still in a battle for their top flight status, every decision needs to be bang on.

If Dominic Calvert-Lewin‘s red card is rightfully rescinded, then we could see the striker return to action in time for the meeting with Aston Villa at Goodison Park next weekend. If not, he also faces missing the FA Cup replay against Crystal Palace, as well as a trip to Fulham in the league.