Everton write to referees’ boss over Anthony Gordon non-penalty

Everton have asked for an explanation from PGMOL

Everton have demanded an explanation from referees' chief Mike Riley after Anthony Gordon was denied a second-half penalty against Liverpool on Sunday. Frank Lampard's side lost the Merseyside derby 2-0 at Anfield but the game had been goalless when Gordon went down in the penalty area after a challenge from Joel Matip. Referee Stuart Attwell waved away appeals for a penalty and, after a check by VAR, the decision not to award the spot-kick was upheld. Goals from Andy Robertson and Divock Origi later secured Liverpool's win, keeping alive their quadruple hopes but also leaving their local rivals in the relegation zone.

Gordon and Lampard on decision not to award Everton penalty

Gordon made his feelings known about Attwell's decision after the game - both in a post-match interview and on Twitter. Lampard also claimed the penalty should have been given, with the FA subsequently contacting him about his comments. Everton, according to reports, have since written to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for refereeing standards in the Premier League, to ask why the incident was not thoroughly looked at. It is thought Darren England, the video assistant referee for the game, looked at the challenge and deemed there was not sufficient contact between the two players to justify Attwell's on-field call being overturned.

Everton relegation fears grow

The Toffees dropped into the relegation zone earlier in the day when Burnley beat Wolves 1-0 to record a second win in succession. Everton have a game in hand on the Lancashire club but the threat of dropping out of the top flight is now a grim reality at Goodison Park. They return to action on Sunday when they host Lampard's old club, Chelsea. Related links:

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