‘Mind-boggling’ – Dewsbury-Hall hits out at referees

Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall said it’s “mind boggling” that he has already received a suspension after picking up five yellow cards in six Premier League appearances.

Dewsbury-Hall, booked for a challenge on Kyle Walker-Peters during Monday’s 1-1 draw against West Ham, will miss Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace.

“Forgive me if I’m wrong, and I might be, but some of these decisions are so hard to take. Mind boggling,” the 27-year-old posted on X.

It is not unheard of for players to be suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards at this stage of the campaign – it happened to striker Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea two seasons ago.

Everton manager David Moyes said referee Samuel Barrott’s decision to show a card was “shabby” and questioned the level of officiating in the Premier League.

“I think the decisions we’ve had at the moment [have been frustrating], but I think all the managers might be saying that at the moment,” Moyes said.

“I mean there’s been a general poor level at the moment. I thought the decision on Dewsbury-Hall was a really shabby decision.”

Dewsbury-Hall has started all six of Everton’s league games since joining from Chelsea in August in a deal worth about £28m.

His fourth yellow came in a 2-1 defeat against Merseyside rivals Liverpool on 20 September for taking a quick free-kick.

Team-mate Jack Grealish criticised referee Darren England for making that call and said he had “never seen that in my life”.