Ronald Koeman says 'clever' referee deserves praise for allowing Everton equaliser
Wednesday 1 February 2017 23:22, UK
Everton boss Ronald Koeman praised referee Craig Pawson for allowing the visitors' goal in their 1-1 draw at Stoke City on Wednesday night.
The visitors were awarded a controversial equaliser just before the break as the flag went up for offside against Romelu Lukaku, but the official, in consultation with his assistant, awarded the strike after spotting Ryan Shawcross' touch to divert Seamus Coleman's shot into the net.
"It was a very difficult situation for the referee because the linesman gave offside," said Koeman. "I watched the clip at half-time and Shawcross touched the ball and then is not offside at that moment.
"It is really clever of the referee to take a different decision at that time because it was really a goal.
"I have sympathy for every manager because it is always difficult to accept these type of situations, but there is also emotion in football, which is okay and not bad."
Overall, however, Koeman thought a point apiece was a fair result at the bet365 Stadium.
"We had more ball possession than Stoke, the first 45 minutes Stoke had the best chances, but overall, I think a fair result," he said.
"In the last 10-15 minutes we had maybe the best chances to win the game, but overall it was a fair result and we played well in the second half, we had good ball position and now the next step is to be more clinical."
The Dutchman also had words of praise for Morgan Schneiderlin, with the midfielder making his first start for the Toffees following his big-money move from Manchester United in the January window.
"He will bring what he showed today in that position in midfield, even if he can play in a more advanced position in midfield," said Koeman.
"It is his quality on the ball, tackling, defending, organisation of midfield and he looks comfortable on the ball. He has now had some time to adapt to how we played and he knows the manager and the manager knows the player and it is really a big signing for Everton."
