“He should have been punished for that incident”- PGMOL chief says Arsenal star should have been punished after ‘silly’ play against Everton after review from VAR

Thomas Partey should have faced consequences after the Arsenal vs. Everton incident, according to Keith Hackett.

During Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Everton at The Emirates on December 14, the Gunners appealed for a late penalty following a challenge by Vitalii Mykolenko, which was promptly dismissed by the referee. Hackett, a former PGMOL chief, praised the referee’s decision but suggested an opportunity was missed to further assert authority.

“The referee made the correct call – not a penalty,” Hackett told Goodison News. “However, the Arsenal player went down attempting to deceive the referee. A yellow card for simulation would have reinforced the decision.”

Mykolenko delivered an outstanding defensive performance, effectively neutralizing threats like Bukayo Saka throughout the game. Even under pressure, the Ukrainian defender made crucial interventions, including the clean challenge on Partey in the dying moments.

Everton manager Sean Dyche will likely be satisfied with the result, as his team remains three points clear of the relegation zone. They now prepare to face Liverpool with a game in hand.

Former referee Mike Dean echoed Hackett’s view, agreeing that the penalty appeal was unfounded. Everton secured a valuable point and a clean sheet.

In related news, Tim Sherwood has expressed admiration for one Everton player’s impressive performance against Bukayo Saka.