Thursday 21 April 2016 15:28, UK
Jonny Evans says he sympathises with referees when it comes to grappling in the penalty box – but the West Bromwich Albion defender admits the lack of consistency is frustrating.
The issue of grappling in the penalty box has been brought back under the spotlight this week following referee Jon Moss' decision to award West Ham a spot-kick at Leicester on Sunday after Wes Morgan was adjudged to have hauled Winston Reid to the ground.
Evans was penalised for a similar incident in Northern Ireland's 1-0 friendly win over Slovenia last month and the 28-year-old feels referees must be consistent on this issue to avoid criticism.
"I was penalised in the last international friendly for something similar and one of the biggest things we have had a problem with is that when you go into the opposition box, it is happening to you and you are not getting the foul. You want that consistency," Evans told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I think it is a difficult thing because the referee sees at that time and has to give it, but there's other instances where he doesn't see it and that's where you don't get the equal decisions."
Evans is likely to start for West Brom against Arsenal on Thursday night, a match which is live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm. Or watch live for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.
