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Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said the club will appeal the decision to send Lucas Digne off during Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Southampton.
Referee Kevin Friend brandished a direct red card for a foul by the Frenchman on Kyle Walker-Peters after 72 minutes at St Mary’s as Everton’s undefeated start to the Premier League season came to an end.
While his team was well beaten on the south coast, Ancelotti is determined that his full-back avoid a three-game ban for violent conduct, which will put him out of matches against Newcastle, Manchester United and Fulham.
When asked for his opinion on the red card, Ancelotti said Sky sports: “It was a joke, it was not intentional. It was not violent behavior, so they could have verified better. Maybe all the rumors during the week against [Jordan] Pickford and against Richarlison affected the decision, and if so, it’s not right. It’s not fair.”
The Italian later reiterated in his post-match press conference: “I think we are going to appeal. It could be a yellow card but it was not violent conduct and the red card was unfair.”
“It was not a bad challenge what I saw, it was not intentional as I was running behind and had a contact with the opponent’s ankle, but I did not intend to use violent behavior, so it was not the correct decision.”
The visitors struggled to get going as the Saints were clinical and took a two-goal lead in the first half.
James Ward-Prowse edged out England’s number one Jordan Pickford to break the deadlock before Che Adams benefited from a detour less than 10 minutes later.
“It was not a good day and it was not a good performance,” added Ancelotti. “We are here to talk about the first defeat and I feel that we have to move on. Of course, we do not like to lose games but in football it happens. We have to go through this game with the same conviction that we had when we got here, It can happen.
“I think we have to review in the next few days, but he was tired at the end. He felt his muscle towards the end, but I don’t think it’s a big problem. It’s true that the game was difficult for everyone.”
“I am disappointed that we lost the match, but I cannot forget what we have done so far and we have to keep going to keep doing well. We are still at the top of the table, which is an incredible achievement for us, and we have to try to stay there. “
Full performance delights Hasenhuttl
The Toffees had entered the game undefeated in five league games and had been at the top of the table heading into the weekend, yet they struggled against the well-organized team of Ralph Hasenhuttl.
This was still a scalp for the hosts, who beat the team by starting the day at the top of the Premier League for the first time in 12 games, since Brendan Rodgers’ 1-0 win at Anfield against Liverpool in September 2013. .
Just one year after Southampton’s 9-0 home loss to Leicester, Hasenhuttl was asked if the anniversary was used as a motivational tool during the week.
“Not for a minute, not once all week, we don’t care,” the Saints boss said. “We don’t have time to talk about anniversaries, but it’s more important to see what you can do to hurt your opponent. That was our focus and it was a very strong game on our part.
“After a bad start, it was necessary to score some points. If you lean back, you immediately get the bill. What I like about our team right now is that we are moving forward and the biggest mistakes are made when you think you are successful. , so we have to keep working hard to take steps forward.
“It was definitely one of our best performances so far against a strong team. There was good game management and good balance in our team. It was important that we keep the ball and get our opponents running, and we did it in a fantastic way.” . We have shown good steps forward in the last two games, and it is necessary if we want to become a better team. “
Analysis: Does Everton have a case with Digne Red?
Jamie Redknapp from Sky Sports:
“The word intention is said, but the players do not mean to hurt other players. Digne’s entry is an accident, it is a yellow card, he continues with the game. I really hope that the referee and the authorities will look and see which is not a red card.
“It’s already cost Everton because they had to play a large part of this game with 10 men, but the three-game ban for serious foul play has to be lifted. If we get to the stage where it’s a red card, the game is officially gone. “
Whats Next?
Southampton visits Aston Villa at noon on Sunday, November 1, live Sky Sports ticket office. Meanwhile, Everton will travel to face Newcastle at St James’ Park on the same day, live Sky sports; Kick-off is at 2 pm.
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