Mark Goldbridge raises Everton concerns amid David Coote scandal

Everton’s infamous defeat to Manchester City is bothering Mark Goldbridge in the wake of controversy surrounding David Coote.

The well-known Manchester United YouTuber and former talkSPORT presenter reacted to the issue via X on 11 November to raise concerns over Pep Guardiola’s side benefiting from the officiating at Goodison Park in their 1-0 win on 16 February 2022.

Everton were denied a penalty on the night for handball against Rodri, a decision which the midfielder himself subsequently admitted was wrong, and the then-referees chief Mike Riley apologised to Frank Lampard’s side for [BBC Sport].

However, Coote, who has been suspended by the PGMOL after the emergence online of video clips appearing to show him insult former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp [Sky Sports, 12 November], was not actually part of the officiating team for the Toffees defeat to City [Premier League].

On the day Paul Tierney was referee, while Martin Atkinson was fourth official and Chris Kavanagh was assisted by Gary Beswick as the VAR.

Rodri handball incident in Everton loss to Manchester City cited

Goldbridge pointing to an infamous incident that benefited Liverpool’s title rivals at the time, despite Coote not being involved in the game, illustrates the main issue with the current controversy.

It would be naive to think that officials don’t find individual players or coaches to be more objectionable than others, especially if they have been singled out for criticism themselves.

But we are required to rely on their professionalism to believe that they will overlook personal feelings in order to officiate games fairly.

As Goldbridge himself says in the video clip attached to his post, it would be no surprise at all if most officials make derogatory comments about players, teams and managers all the time in private, but evidence of it arriving in public undermines confidence in their group as a whole.

All fanbases think that their team is unfairly treated, whether it is true or not, and Coote is almost certain to be cited as evidence that they are all secretly out to teach those they dislike a lesson.

It is a widespread view that the more successful sides get more favourable decisions that those that are already struggling.

So the irony here is that Everton, who have been languishing at the wrong end of the Premier League for most of the past four seasons, would probably love to have got the officiating Liverpool, who won multiple trophies under Klopp and regularly challenged for the title, have received in recent years.

However, it is surely a stretch past even the most argent supporter of any team to question an official over decisions he didn’t make, in a game he wasn’t present for.

In other Everton news, the situation surrounding a possible third Toffees points deduction has been slammed.

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