Jagielka's red card looks a 'harsh decision', says Silva
Everton manager Marco Silva believes referee Craig Pawson's decision to send off defender Phil Jagielka during their 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday morning (Singapore time) was a harsh one.
Jagielka, 35, was shown a straight red card after fouling Diogo Jota in the 40th minute.
Replays showed that the Everton skipper got a touch on the ball before his studs collided with Jota's ankle.
Everton, who were leading 1-0 at that point thanks to new signing Richarlison's goal, then conceded an equaliser as Wolves' Ruben Neves netted a brilliant free-kick.
But the Toffees held firm and Richarlison struck again in the 67th minute with a delightful finish that looked to have won the game until Mexican forward Raul Jimenez headed in Wolves' equaliser from a Neves cross 10 minutes from the end.
Silva, whose side could have pulled off a victory despite being a man down, said Pawson's decision to send Jagielka off was harsh, reported Sky Sports.
He said: "It looks a harsh decision. It looks like there's no foul and, after, they score and there's a red card for us.
"At first, (the ref) didn't give the foul and then after one or two seconds he came back and gave it and the red card. But OK, it is his decision and we need to respect his decision."
BBC pundit Alan Shearer believes that Pawson made the right call, saying: "I thought it was the correct decision... He lunges at him, it's a poor touch, he knows he's in trouble.
"It's endangering the opponent, Diogo Jota and it is the correct decision. Not too much arguing from Jagielka.
"He uses excessive force and he's out of control, it's a straight leg and it's a red card. The laws of the game tell you that today, whether you agree with the laws or not, that is the law."
Meanwhile, Richarlison went some way towards justifying his £40-million (S$70m) move from Watford with a two-goal showing on his Toffees debut, and Silva was quick to defend the 21-year-old, who played under him at Watford previously.
He said: "If a club pays that money, it is because that is his value in the market - and it's not only our club paying this money for one player.
"Of course, it's a fantastic start for him. He is a boy I took last season from Brazil and we did everything to bring him to this club too. It's a fantastic start."
Everton host Southampton on Saturday, while Wolves travel to Leicester City.
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