Everton manager David Moyes has urged for greater on-field consistency in decision-making, while stressing his respect for match officials, following what he felt were contrasting interpretations of key incidents in recent Premier League fixtures.
Speaking to the media, Moyes said he was not seeking to “compile anything” regarding refereeing decisions, but admitted it is becoming “a wee bit difficult to work out” whether his side is being treated fairly in certain moments.
“I’m not criticising referees today,” Moyes said. “I’m questioning… surely the on-field referee didn’t need VAR to decide [what happened].”
Moyes pointed to a recent handball incident involving Everton, highlighting his frustration that the on-field decision was not made immediately.
“It was 100% a penalty kick… there’s no question,” he said. “But the on-field referee didn’t give that on the day. It was VAR who eventually came in and had to do it because he was sent to the screen.”
While acknowledging the pressure referees operate under, Moyes explained the challenge managers face when asked to comment publicly.
“I want to support the referees. I do,” he added. “They’ve got a hard job… but we’re asked the questions. I’d rather tell you honestly what I feel about it… but doing that could get myself in trouble.”
Contract talks ongoing
Moyes also confirmed discussions are continuing over contracts, including with defender Vitalii Mykolenko.
“We’re in talks with Myko as well,” he said. “It’s ongoing. We’re doing a lot more things behind the scenes. We’re not coming out and discussing them all the time… hopefully we’ll get a solution sooner rather than later.”
Branthwaite rehabilitation plan
On Jarrad Branthwaite’s return pathway after a long spell out, Moyes suggested Everton may use alternative match minutes to accelerate his reintegration.
“There’s different ways now,” Moyes explained. “We might find that we have to have some closed-door games or play against the 21s… we’ve got to try and speed up things now a little bit as well, but obviously we won’t take any risks on his injury.”
McNeil to “fight” for opportunities
Moyes reiterated there is no issue with Dwight McNeil, but conceded competition for places has increased since the winger’s knee injury.
“Dwight has to fight to get back in,” he said. “Before I came, he was probably Everton’s most in-form player… he was out injured for a while when I came in, so that probably affected him… he’ll get opportunities between now and the end of the season to show what he can do.”
Role clarity for “Jack” and options in the 10
Asked about potentially moving “Jack” into a central attacking role, Moyes played it straight.
“No,” he said. “I see Jack playing where he plays, his better role, best role.”
He added Everton still have options to operate in that position if needed, referencing Dwight’s previous experience there, as well as Charlie Alcaraz, while noting Keenan is currently sidelined.
“We’ve got a few people who can take that position,” Moyes said.
