Everton striker Beto saw his push on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate go unpunished in the Merseyside derby because of a modern-day refereeing issue, according to Keith Hackett.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider the decision not to award a free-kick for Liverpool after James Tarkowski scored a stunning equaliser for Everton was “one of the problems with the modern game”.
Referee Michael Oliver is in the spotlight from both sides after the explosive 2-2 draw on 12 February, with the decision not to award a free-kick deep into injury time a costly one for Liverpool.
The final battle between the Toffees and the Reds at Goodison Park, before Everton move into a new stadium next season, was a typically ferocious affair, with a late goal and multiple post-game red cards.
Beto foul not given before James Tarkowski wonder-strike gives Everton a point
In the 98th minute, Vitalii Mykolenko lifted a hopeful, looping cross into the box.
Konate looked set to head the ball out of danger, before Beto made contact with the French defender.
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The ball bounced once, before substitute Tim Iroegbunam flicked the ball on, into the path of Tarkowski, who thundered the ball past a helpless Alisson, giving Everton a famous late equaliser.
Everton
James Tarkowski smashed home a 98th-minute Everton equaliser at Goodison Park.
However, the nudge from the Portuguese striker was a controversial one, and when asked by Football Insider, ex-PGMOL chief, Hackett, said: “One of the problems with the modern game is the amount of grappling, pushing, and holding that takes place and goes unpunished.
“The consequences of this type of action meant that that push that we witnessed in the penalty area in the lead up to the Everton equalising goal goes unpunished by Michael Oliver and the VAR does not intervene.
“This is a consequence of law-interpretation from our Premier League referees.”
The decision to allow the goal led to rapturous celebrations from the home fans, before Arne Slot, Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure were shown red cards after the final whistle.
