Everton lost 2-1 to fierce rivals Liverpool in Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
Everton got off to a really poor start and ultimately that cost them in the end despite an improved second half.
David Moyes was furious at the officiating, as referee Darren England made a number of controversial decisions.
Mark Clattenburg said England wasn’t up to Premier League standard, and now Wayne Rooney has given his verdict on the official.
Wayne Rooney understands Everton frustration towards Darren England
Jack Grealish, like Moyes, voiced his frustration about the officiating post-match: “It was a bit frustrating in the second half, because they were trying to slow the game down at times. I’ve never seen a player in my whole life get booked for taking a quick free-kick.
“I don’t know where that rule has come in. Even the stoppage time, what was it, three minutes and one minute? Come on, I’ve never seen that in the Premier League in the last two or three years.”
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Everton forward admitted he understood why Grealish was annoyed.
“I’ve seen Jack’s rant about the referee, which I agree with. I think two or three times, he stopped Everton from taking quick free-kicks; maybe he wanted a breather and wanted a rest.
“But in that situation, I can understand why Jack got frustrated and was having a go at the referee because you’re trying to get back in the game and the referee has completely stopped that momentum.”
Everton can put right Merseyside derby defeat vs Wolves
Everton can quickly move past the frustration of the Merseyside derby as they are back in action tomorrow night.
Moyes’ side travel to the West Midlands to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Opta’s supercomputer expects Everton to win after picking up three points at Molineux just a matter of weeks ago.
Beto, Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were on the scoresheet that day, although, they may be rested for this one.
It’ll likely be an opportunity for Tyler Dibling and Merlin Rohl to impress on their full debuts.
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