Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 22:20, UK
Keith Hackett has praised referee Sam Ballot’s handling of the incident that could have resulted in Amadou Onana being sent off during Aston Villa’s game against Everton.
The former PGMOL chief and former FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that it would be “very harsh” to show the midfielder a second yellow card after he fell to the ground after bringing down Orel Mangala. Ta.
David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park started on a disappointing note against Villa on Wednesday (January 15), but ended on a positive note as Unai Emery’s side conceded the winners 1-0. I had no choice.
The Toffees were also frustrated by their inability to have the man advantage against Aston Villa in the final stages of the game, which could have made all the difference.
Amadou Onana escapes Aston Villa with a red point and returns to Everton
Onana was already booked with just eight minutes remaining after bringing down Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Nguye at Goodison Park.
The midfielder was then found guilty of committing a further foul and the Toffees were not happy when he was not sent off immediately after Ollie Watkins gave Aston Villa a 1-0 lead.
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As Orel Mangala picked up the ball inside his own half and tried to turn it around to attack the visitors, the Everton midfielder went down in contact with Onana.
Unai Emery may have been relieved his squad was not reduced to 10 men against Everton
Referee Sam Ballot chose not to give the Villa midfielder a second yellow, much to the home side’s frustration.
Indeed, other observers were surprised that Aston Villa’s squad size was not reduced to 10 as a result of the incident, but Hackett believes the right decision was made.
The former referee spoke to Football Insider about whether Onana should have been sent off.
“It would have been very harsh to give Onana a second yellow considering how easily he went to the ground. I’m glad the referee got this right. Even if it meant a red card. Even if a yellow card is issued, VAR cannot be used if there is a possibility of a yellow card.
Following this win, Aston Villa are now seventh in the Premier League, three points clear of the top four.
Everton, meanwhile, remain in 16th place, just one point away from the relegation zone as manager Moyes aims to keep the club top of the table.
In other news, Aston Villa have begun contract talks with Louis Barry amid growing interest in a move from Celtic.
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