While it may seem that Everton continue to get decisions going against them in recent weeks, especially from the footballing authorities, sanity has prevailed in at least one case.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s red card and subsequent three-match ban have been nullified following the club’s appeal to the FA.
The striker was sent off in the 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace in their FA Cup Third Round clash last Thursday following what looked like an inconsequential tackle on Nathaniel Clyne. Initially on-pitch referee Chris Kavanagh had indicated for play to continue with Calvert-Lewin winning the ball and getting a shot off on goal.
However, VAR managed by Craig Pawson – who is starting to become notorious for his anti-Everton stances – communicated with Kavanagh to review the tackle on the pitch side monitor.
Multiple replays and slow-motion angles later, Kavanagh decided to give DCL a straightened card ending his participation in the fixture. The game was still scoreless at that point but the Blues then had to endure a torrid quarter of an hour or so and had to settle for a replay in a fixture they had looked like winning.
Having to play another game only adds to the Blues fixture congestion, but Sean Dyche will be relieved that his already thin squad will not have to endure three more games without one of his key players.
The Blues are back in action this week and with a home fixture against high-flying Aston Villa.
