“They Were Robbed!” — Ex-FIFA Referee Blasts Officials After Everton’s Controversial 2-2 Draw at Selhurst Park

The match was filled with controversy from start to finish, with referee Tom Bramall finding himself at the centre of attention after a series of major decisions left both sets of supporters furious. For Everton F.C., it felt like a huge missed opportunity in their push for a potential European finish.

The Toffees started brightly and looked on course for an important away victory after goals from James Tarkowski and Beto handed them control of the contest. Everton dominated large periods of the match with their aggressive pressing and physical approach causing problems for Crystal Palace F.C. throughout the first half.

But Palace refused to back down in front of their home supporters in South London. Ismaila Sarr gave the hosts renewed hope with a crucial goal before Jean-Philippe Mateta completed the comeback to rescue a dramatic point for the Eagles.

Despite the entertaining football, the main talking point after full-time was the officiating. Several penalty appeals and physical challenges sparked furious reactions from players, managers, and fans alike. Everton supporters especially felt hard done by, believing key moments went against them at critical stages of the game.

One of the biggest incidents came late in the second half when Daichi Kamada and Tim Iroegbunam were involved in a controversial challenge inside the area. While many Everton fans immediately called for a penalty, former FIFA referee Keith Hackett defended the decision not to award the spot-kick.

> “The Palace player goes to ground rather too easily for me and not enough for a penalty kick to be awarded. The referee made the correct call.”



Hackett’s comments quickly divided opinion online. Some supporters agreed the contact was minimal, while others insisted Everton were denied a clear opportunity to take all three points. Social media platforms were flooded with clips and screenshots of the incident as fans continued to debate the referee’s performance long after the final whistle.

For Everton manager David Moyes, the result will feel particularly frustrating. Since returning to the club, Moyes has worked hard to rebuild consistency and belief within the squad, and performances in recent weeks had raised hopes that Everton could finish strongly and challenge for a European place.

The draw leaves Everton sitting 10th in the Premier League table, just two points behind the top eight, with massive fixtures against Sunderland A.F.C. and Tottenham Hotspur F.C. still to come.

Meanwhile, Palace supporters praised their side’s determination and resilience after twice responding under pressure. Mateta once again proved why he has become one of the club’s most important attacking players, while Sarr’s pace and directness caused Everton problems throughout the evening.

In the end, both teams walked away with a point — but the controversy surrounding the officiating may end up being remembered just as much as the football itself.