Referee Darren England delivered a poor performance during Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Monday night, according to former Premier League official Keith Hackett.
A 72nd-minute goal from Benjamin Sesko proved decisive at Hill Dickinson Stadium, allowing the Red Devils to take maximum points.
Despite showing plenty of determination, Everton lacked cutting edge in the final third and are still without a home victory since 6 December.
With 11 fixtures remaining, the Toffees sit ninth in the standings, but the loss represents another missed chance to close the gap on the European qualification places.
It was a hugely disappointing evening for Everton, and Hackett was critical of England, claiming the referee failed to keep control of the contest.
Darren England comes under heavy criticism for lack of discipline control
Hackett insists David Moyes has every reason to be angry with England for not clamping down on poor behaviour from both teams during corner situations.
Everton won several corners, yet players from both sides continued shirt-pulling and grappling off the ball, particularly in the closing stages of the match.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, the former PGMOL chief said the inaction was unacceptable and that referees must do more to prevent overly aggressive tactics at set-pieces.
He said: “The nonsense of referees completely overlooking the fouls that take place in the penalty area at corners — holding, pulling, blocking and backing in.
“This is not football, and once again in Everton versus Manchester United, Darren England stood and ignored it.
“He is capable of enforcing the laws, but it seems his superiors want him to look the other way.
“Football deserves better, the Premier League deserves better, and supporters around the world must question what referees are doing.”
Those comments were blunt, but it was remarkable how frequently England failed to intervene as chaos unfolded in the box.
Referee allowed too many incidents to pass in Everton vs Man United
Everton earned 10 corners during the game but struggled to break down United’s stubborn defence.
Hackett added: “It took until the 83rd minute before England finally showed two yellow cards and spoke with both captains.
“That is far too late. Firm action should have been taken from the very first corner.”
Monday’s match highlighted how wrestling and obstruction at corners remains a serious problem, and on this occasion, England appeared unable to manage the pressure effectively.
