'Staggering' – Jeff Stelling hits out at Everton Women v Liverpool controversy

Jeff Stelling says the “staggering” decision to award Everton Women a penalty against Liverpool on Sunday was the worst he’d seen in his entire life.

Speaking on talkSPORT (18 November, 8:55am), Stelling reviewed Fuka Nagano’s foul on Toffees midfielder Honoka Hayashi at Goodison Park, leading to Katja Snoeijs scoring the winner from the spot.

Hayashi was indeed fouled by Nagano, but the incident took place outside of the box and the decision resulted in the Blues holding on for a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park on 17 November.

Stelling said: “That’s the worst penalty decision I think I’ve ever seen in my entire life, that gave Everton the penalty that won them the game.

“The girl who was fouled (Hayashi) is a yard outside the box, and the referee is right there. It was staggering.”

Everton Women finally get their stroke of luck against Liverpool

Starting the day bottom of the WSL table having failed to record a single victory in the opening seven games of the season, the Blues couldn’t have timed their first win any better.

The new era which is on the horizon for the club will also see the Women’s biggest matches move away from Goodison Park, with Bramley-Moore Dock playing host to Merseyside derbies in the future.

Therefore, winning the final derby against their arch-rivals on Goodison soil will be ever so sweet for Toffees fans, regardless of how controversial the circumstances were which led to Snoeijs’ goal.

The Dutch forward, who recently signed a new contract with the club, hardly looked phased and not in the least bit guilty as she clinically converted her penalty, which Liverpool continued to protest.

A first victory of the season – particularly against the opposition in question – could prove to be a springboard for the Toffees, who will be hoping to bring their own Goodison Park curtain down in style.

In other Everton news, the Toffees could return for a previous summer transfer target after developments at a European club.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post 'Staggering' – Jeff Stelling hits out at Everton Women v Liverpool controversy appeared first on Goodison News.