Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal: Was the Everton striker’s header against Tottenham disallowed wrongly?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 23rd minute header found the corner of Hugo Lloris’ net, putting Everton 2-0 ahead of Tottenham at Goodison Park.

He had risen above Davinson Sanchez to head the ball to the goalkeeper’s right, a perfect looped finish after a physical aerial battle.

Except, the goal was disallowed by referee Paul Tierney, who ruled that the young English striker had pushed Sanchez before they jumped, disallowing the goal and awarding a Tottenham Hotspur free kick.

The initial reaction to the decision was that it was harsh. The Goodison Park crowd and Calvert-Lewin certainly thought so – no surprises there.

Tottenham went on to take a commanding lead in the match, leading many Toffee’s fans to wonder what might have been if the goal had stood.

What do the laws say?

A player can concede a foul for a push in the event if the referee deems it “careless, reckless or using excessive force”.

You can argue that it was a push that was careless. You can also argue he was competing for the ball and simply wins.

Overall, the choice to award a foul against Calvert-Lewin for the type of push which defenders employ every match is slightly bizarre.

Reaction

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On Sky Sports, Gary Neville asserted the goal should have stood: “Not a foul, it’s a goal for me.”

On BeINSports, Andy Gray said: “That is a generous, generous decision. I think that’s 50/50. I think Davinson Sanchez is really weak there.” He pointed out that strikers often anticipate a defender bumping into them and hold their hands up to stand their ground. He argued that this is what Calvert-Lewin did.

Many commentators on Twitter appeared to agree with the assessment.

So, that very harsh call for Calvert-Lewin's push on Sanchez proving to be a turning point now. Didn't see much wrong with it in real time or on replays, so Spurs a bit lucky, but they have been the better side. Everton awful at the back too. Zouma and Keane a nightmre combo.

— Joe Krishnan (@joekrishnan) December 23, 2018

How is that a foul? If that Calvert-Lewin goal is a foul then Duncan Ferguson would have never scored a header. Joke refereeing from the first whistle so far. #bbcfootball

— Dave Dixon (@DaveyDixon85) December 23, 2018

I wonder how far Calvert-Lewin's shitehousery can still improve. I like him

— Sébastien (@SebC__) December 23, 2018

Calvert-Lewin goal should have stood!

— Alhasan Al-Habib (@AlhasanAlHabib3) December 23, 2018

In all seriousness though, a joke how Everton weren't 2-0 that disallowed goal was incredibly soft.

If it's a defender who touches a striker like that there's no chance a penalty is given, so why should a free-kick be given the other way.

Games gone way too soft.

— TweetChelseaUK (@TweetChelseaUK) December 23, 2018

Others believed Calvert-Lewin was guilty of a push.

Can Calvert-Lewin actually play footy without pushing players over?

— Öwen (@or84) December 23, 2018

Should be out of sight here. Shouldn't have been behind in the first place. Calvert lewin love to push doesn't he #EVETOT

— Nick May (@nick_may1985) December 23, 2018

What do you think? Let us know.

@LouisAlexDore