‘Fortunate’ Everton should NOT have been awarded penalty against Tottenham as James Rodriguez is accused of ‘kicking the floor’ before Gylfi Sigurdsson’s equaliser from spot

“I think Everton are fortunate, I really do.”

That was Jamie Carragher’s verdict after Michael Oliver awarded the Toffees a penalty in the first half of their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Friday evening.

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Everton levelled from the spot after Reguilon was adjudged to have brought down Rodriguez in the box

After Harry Kane brilliantly gave Spurs the lead, the hosts hit back from 12 yards just four minutes later – but the decision was contentious to say the least.

On first viewing, it seemed like Sergio Reguilon clattered into James Rodriguez – but replays appeared to show the Everton attacker kick the ground before hitting the floor.

On commentary duty for Sky Sports, Carragher initially said it was a penalty but the Liverpool icon changed his tune after watching the replays.

“When you slow it down, was there much contact?” he said.” I just don’t see anything there.

“I can’t have a go at Michael Oliver, I’m sure most people would have felt that it was a penalty in real time. But questions about VAR and the official who is on VAR.”

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Carragher said Everton were ‘fortunate’ to be awarded a penalty

Andre Marriner, who is the VAR official for the Goodison Park encounter, did not believe there was enough wrong with Oliver’s decision for him to change his decision.

Nevertheless, the two sides went into half-time with the scores level.

The decision could have huge consequences in the top four race as defeat for either side could put an end to either side’s Champions League aspirations.

After Spurs had chances to regain their lead Sigurdsson grabbed his second just after the hour with a fine strike.

Jose Mourinho’s men were cut open and Seamus Coleman pulled back to the Icelandic who fired into the far corner with a first-time finish.

Spurs levelled in the 68th minute as Kane was on hand to fire home after more calamity in the Everton box. Mason Holgate and Keane collided with each other allowing Kane to lash home from eight yards.

It was the England captain’s 21st goal of the season and cemented his name at the top of the Premier League’s scoring charts.

However, there were hugely worrying signs for Mourinho late on as Kane limped off clutching his ankle in injury time.

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