‘This is going to divide people’ - Dermot Gallagher verdict on Everton penalty incident

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has given his verdict on the decision not give Everton a potentially match-winning penalty for an incident involving Seamus Coleman against Nottingham Forest.

The Toffees were held to a 2-2 draw at the City Ground as Forest pegged the visitors back on two occasions. A brace from Brennan Johnson denied Sean Dyche’s side a first win on the road since October.

Having gone ahead in the 10th minute through a Demarai Gray penalty, which was correctly given by on-field referee John Brooks for a foul on Dwight McNeil after a brief VAR check, Everton’s second spot- kick appeal occured when an overlapping Coleman tangled with Jack Colback inside the box.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher admitted it was an incredibly close call. And for that reason, VAR stuck with Brooks’ original decision.

“This going to divide people. I think this is actually not a penalty,” Gallagher said. “I think Coleman catches Colback’s foot as he is about to shoot. And that is what throws him off balance.

“It wasn’t an outstretched foot from Colback. The McNeil one was a tackle.

“It is what it is. I spoke to loads of people who thought it was a penalty. When it’s such a tough, tough call, then VAR won’t get involved.”

Everton boss Dyche, however, was adamant a penalty should have been given. Dyche, an advocate of VAR, claimed he doesn’t know what a penalty looks like anymore after his side failed to get the decision.

“Amazed we didn’t get a second penalty, but I don’t know what’s a penalty any more,” said Dyche, who has guided Everton to seven points from his six matches in the Goodison Park hot seat.

“You touch them on the shoulder and they go down and it is a penalty. Seamus clearly gets there, their lad puts his foot in front of him, kicks the back of his foot, but apparently that’s not [a penalty].

“If you are on goal and you are going to shoot and the defender puts his foot in front of yours and you kick it, I’m telling you that is a penalty.”

That draw meant that Everton have now dropped 15 points from losing positions as they remain rooted in the relegation places, level on points with Leeds in 17th.