Gary Neville says he is ‘absolutely furious’ as Tottenham’s Premier League game against Everton starts late late
The second half of Tottenham v Everton was delayed due to technical problems (Image: (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images))
Gary Neville slammed those involved and launched a furious rant after the second half of Tottenham’s Premier League game against Everton was delayed due to technical issues. The Sky Sports commentator admitted that fourth official Stuart Burt was “absolutely furious” after the latter’s communication problems.
The match was synchronized as Spurs were scheduled to kick off the second half at the same time as West Ham, as is customary when playing for survival on the final day of the Premier League. However, the second half was delayed by more than five minutes as officials worked to resolve the issue.
Neville wasn’t too happy with what he saw, telling Sky Sports:
“The fans are booing and rightly so. This is not good enough.” When the match finally resumed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, West Ham’s second period had already lasted five minutes.
The home supporters made their feelings clear and particularly loud boos could be heard before the matter was finally resolved. Although he was angry about the delay, he was no doubt satisfied with the way his team played after a very impressive first half in which they dominated.
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Joao Parinha reacted quickly with a header that hit the post from a corner kick and ultimately put his team in front.
Guglielmo Vicario jumped on Roberto de Zerbi’s back on the touchline, followed by a jubilant scene in which Parinha was mauled by a substitute.
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The pair were yellow-carded early in the first half when they were caught up in a cross-up on the touchline after Jake O’Brien was fouled against Matthijs Tell.
De Zerbi was far from happy on the touchline and his anger spilled over to the two benches where Vicario and Seamus Coleman exchanged words.
The Everton defender even approached the Spurs bench to continue their disagreement after Vicario appeared to suggest they would meet in the tunnel.
Guglielmo Vicario was very busy in the first half.
The anger of those who persuaded Spurs was also on display late in the second half when Micky van de Ven was caught late by Merlin Rohr.
Commentary on Sky Sports confirmed that VAR had checked the call but deemed no further result was necessary.
In the end there was jubilation and relief as Palinha found the back of the net and the Lilywhites were well placed to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
All Spurs needed on the final day was a draw, with a loss to Everton and a win for West Ham the only scenario in which they would fall into the Championship.
