Everton have been on the wrong side of a lot of dubious refereeing decisions this campaign.
From red cards not given to the opposition to strong penalty shouts waved away by those in black; across a campaign in which Sean Dyche has been craving some fortune, his side has had none.
Therefore, the fanbase has every right to be frustrated with the Premier League, and made their feelings known once again on Saturday.
Whilst the match was used as a vehicle for protest against the organisation that had deducted ten points from them, the diabolical refereeing display of Michael Oliver only aided the sense of frustration at Goodison Park.
It sparked additional chanting, essentially accusing the league of corruption for their use of the officials as well as their profit and sustainability rules.
Well, the repercussions of one decision the referee made are certain to intensify those accusations…
Why Sean Dyche won’t be on the touchline vs Manchester City
Given the nature of PSR, it is felt like the Premier League is seemingly intent on negating progression and ambition by keeping those at the top in positions of power.
An inability to spend without earning first naturally favours commercial powerhouses like Manchester United and Liverpool, and leaves the likes of Everton forever scrapping just to gain a foothold in the league.
So, with one of those traditional top-six teams facing the Toffees next, one decision Oliver made will leave the visitors significantly hamstrung on Saturday, coincidentally.
Waving and ranting after Beto was denied what he felt to be a penalty, the referee swanned over to the dugout and brandished a yellow card.
With this being his third booking of the season, he will now miss that clash against Manchester City, forced to endure a touchline ban.
He spoke after the game: ‘Can they rescind them? You are not allowed to show passion about decisions. It is a poor decision, I reacted and got booked for that. Surely there is a bit of common sense.’
Everton continue to be on the end of laughable officiating
This is not the first time both the manager and fanbase have been left bemused by a refereeing decision.
In fact, Saturday’s match against Spurs was littered with questionable ones, as Oliver put in a wholly one-sided performance that left Goodison Park seething.
It is getting tiring complaining about the officials every week now, but the regularity with which they make the wrong decisions in the big moments is alarming.
Everton remain the only team in the entire division that are yet to be awarded a penalty. That seems like a near-impossible task, especially when there are so many blatant examples of chances that have come and gone to award them a spot kick.
VAR’s purpose in the game is quickly becoming obsolete, because if people can’t get these decisions right when handed every angle available, then what really is the point?
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
