Merlin Rohl has admitted Everton knew that Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva was capable of giving away a penalty coming into the game.
David Moyes handed the German midfielder a rare start on Monday evening, with the 23-year-old starting on the right wing.
Credit where credit is due as Rohl was absolutely fantastic for Everton against the Premier League’s most in-form side.
Another penalty decision not going in Everton’s favour? 🫣
Bernardo Silva wasn't even looking at the ball 🤷♂️
There were late appeals from the German for a penalty after a challenge from Silva, and he admitted that was something the club were aware of ahead of the game.
Merlin Rohl reacts to Everton penalty claim against Man City
Speaking to Everton News about the decision, Mark Clattenburg rejected Everton’s penalty appeals, with the corner having not been taken.
Clearly, it was a stroke of luck for Silva, with Everton well aware that he was culpable for bringing down other players.
Who was your Man of the Match as Everton settle for a point? 🤝
“To be honest, we watched the videos and he [Bernardo Silva] has been doing this a lot against other players,” Rohl told the Everton website.
“I thought [the second-half incident], he was doing way too much grabbing my shirt. I was trying to get away from him, to the ball, so that could have been a penalty.”
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall believes Everton deserved a penalty for the challenge on Rohl from the Portugal international.
Everton have not had the rub of the green when it comes to refereeing decisions and there have certainly been a lot over recent weeks.
After the game, Moyes was furious with Michael Oliver and VAR as he truly believed it should have been given as a penalty.
More fingers perhaps need to be pointed at the wording of the rules, with the ball not being in play leaving a lot of scope for players to commit fouls that would otherwise be given.
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