'Wow' - Ex-FIFA ref can't believe Hooper decision after 'Reckless' Man City v Everton incident

Vitalii Mykolenko should have been shown a second yellow card for his “reckless” tackle on Savinho as Everton drew 1-1 at Manchester City on Boxing Day, ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has said.

The Ukraine international gave away a penalty for a scything challenge on the City winger early in the second half at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday (26 December).

Referee Simon Hooper pointed immediately to the penalty spot but Erling Haaland was thwarted by Jordan Pickford (Amazon Sport) and, although he headed in the rebound, he was denied by the offside flag on the follow-up.

However, Mykolenko had already been booked shortly before half-time and Hooper opted not to once again reach in his pocket to show a second yellow card.

Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, former PGMOL chief Hackett provided his immediate reaction to the incident.

He said: “Amazing that a defender can make such a poor challenge in the penalty area resulting in a nailed-on penalty kick.

“Wow, that challenge was reckless and the referee was very lenient to not issue a second yellow followed by a red.”

Vitalii Mykolenko lucky in Manchester City v Everton

Everton had fallen behind to Bernardo Silva’s opener at the Etihad Stadium before Iliman Ndiaye’s superb equaliser brought them level before half-time against the struggling reigning champions.

It looked as though the game was about to swing back in the hosts’ favour when Mykolenko took down Savinho but, not for the first time, Pickford was Everton’s saviour.

However, Mykolenko can probably count himself a little lucky not to have been sent for an early bath because had he not already been booked then Hooper might have reached for his pocket.

Not that it will matter too much to Dyche or Everton after another well-earned point against an elite opponent.

In other Everton news, Sean Dyche has been backed to take up a new role under the TFG umbrella.

The post 'Wow' - Ex-FIFA ref can't believe Hooper decision after 'Reckless' Man City v Everton incident appeared first on Goodison News.