Burnley vs Everton row intensifies after fresh ruling sparks outrage – “That is wrong,” claims official

Everton were left frustrated once again after a contentious refereeing decision denied them a penalty in their goalless draw with Burnley on 27 December, and the debate shows no sign of dying down.

The incident occurred when Tyler Dibling’s effort was blocked by Jaidon Anthony’s arm in the box. Referee Craig Pawson and the VAR opted not to award a penalty, and the Premier League later released a statement explaining the decision. According to the governing body, the handling was deemed accidental, and no foul was committed.

Yet former referee Keith Hackett disagreed, insisting Everton should have been awarded a spot-kick. He argued that Anthony had “plenty of time to move his body” and described the arm’s position as “unnatural,” suggesting that a penalty was warranted. Despite Hackett’s assessment, David Moyes’ side left Turf Moor without the three points.

Everton’s penalty appeals have become a recurring talking point this season, and Moyes has not shied away from criticizing refereeing inconsistencies. Former England striker Jay Bothroyd highlighted the issue during the popular Ref Watch segment with ex-official Dermot Gallagher. Bothroyd referenced a similar incident earlier in the season against Brighton, when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was penalised for handball in the area, though Jordan Pickford saved the resulting penalty to secure a 2-0 victory.

Speaking on Sky Sports on 29 December, Bothroyd said: “It’s funny that, a few weeks ago, the same thing happened to Dewsbury-Hall and a penalty was given, that’s what we are going to talk about—the consistency. To me, because Everton’s involved in it, they’ve been punished and then punished again because they haven’t had the same consistency, I think that is wrong.

To be honest, neither are a penalty, but when you give it against Dewsbury-Hall and then you don’t give it this weekend, and Everton are involved in it, that is when you come away saying where is the consistency, and then is when there is frustrations.”

Everton’s supporters and pundits alike are now left questioning refereeing standards, with this latest decision only adding fuel to the growing debate over fairness and consistency in the Premier League.