Everton's only complaint is Koeman's tackle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Feyenoord 1 Everton 0 (Feyenoord win 1-0 on agg)
Regi Blinker, a target for Blackburn Rovers, dealt English football another devastating blow in rain-swept Rotterdam last night. His first- half goal sent Everton out from the European Cup-Winners' Cup at the end of a harrowing week for English clubs.
Everton joined Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Blackburn in failing to record even a single goal in European combat this week.
Their challenge ended in disgrace when Craig Short ruined an excellent display by flicking out an arm in retaliation towards Ronald Koeman and was immediately shown the red card by the Italian referee.
Joe Royle, the Everton manager, was furious that Koeman did not receive even a booking for the challenge that caused Short to retaliate. "Craig has six inches of bruising and scarring down his shin," Royle said. "It was one of the worst tackles I have seen this season.
"We desperately needed a break but the nearest we came to it was when Craig nearly got his leg broken."
Short said: "It was a dreadful tackle. I could have got my leg broken. I suppose if you raise your arms you can't really complain about being sent off. But I was so upset at the tackle."
Koeman had a different interpretation. "I can understand why Everton are angry. It is because of the result and that is natural," he said.
The Merseysiders, with only one win in their previous 10 matches, played above themselves but were always short of enough class, relying mainly on long-range efforts.
Royle may have had cause for complaint over the 40th-minute goal. Tomek Iwan looked offside but the flag stayed down as he crossed. Mike Obiku shot against a post but when John Ebbrell picked up the rebound he was caught in possession by Blinker who ran on to beat Southall.
Daniel Amokachi's pace troubled Feyenoord but he could not provide the decisive pass while Paul Rideout created a couple of openings for himself when the service failed to come from midfield.
Feyenoord: De Goey; Van Gobbel, Boateng, Koeman, Heus, Bosz, Iwan, Trustfull (Zwijnenberg, 71), Larsson (Taument, 61), Obiku, Blinker (Witschge, 84).
Everton: Southall; Jackson, Hinchcliffe, Short, Watson, Ablett (Barlow, 67), Stuart, Ebbrell (Grant, 64), Rideout, Horne, Amokachi.
Referee: M Nicchi (Italy).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments