Everton penalty decision vs West Ham slammed by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer

Everton’s penalty controversy against West Ham has become one of the Premier League’s biggest talking points this weekend after Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer criticised the decision not to award the visitors a spot-kick at the London Stadium.

The incident came during Everton’s 2-1 defeat on Saturday when Thierno Barry appeared to be impeded inside the box before the ball struck the arm of West Ham defender Mateus Fernandes.

Referee Stuart Attwell waved play on, and despite a VAR review led by Michael Salisbury and Daniel Robathan, no penalty was given.

The decision has sparked fresh scrutiny over officiating consistency, with criticism now extending beyond supporters and club officials.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, both Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer made their feelings clear on the controversial moment.

Lineker questioned how the incident was overlooked, pointing directly at the handball element inside the penalty area.

Shearer was even more direct, calling the decision “ridiculous” and arguing the physical battle between the players did not justify ignoring the handball.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has also sided with Everton’s argument.

According to Sky Sports analysis, Gallagher believes the contact with the ball should have resulted in a penalty, even if accidental, because the arm position created a clear intervention in play.

That alignment between former players and officials has only increased the spotlight on the decision.

The fallout is not ending with media debate.

According to reports, Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear is expected to contact the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to seek clarity over the incident and wider officiating consistency in the Premier League.

For Everton, the frustration is understandable.

The result left David Moyes’ side without points in a match where marginal decisions played a major role.

Having followed Everton’s recent run closely, frustration over officiating decisions has become a recurring theme in their campaign, particularly in tight matches where fine margins decide outcomes.

However, the PGMOL rarely overturns or revisits decisions publicly beyond internal review.

That means Everton’s focus will quickly shift back to results.

Even West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo appeared uneasy when asked about the decision after the game.

His immediate response suggested there was concern from the home dugout that the decision could easily have gone the other way.

That reaction matters.

Managers rarely offer that kind of honesty in post-match interviews unless the incident appears clear.

It adds another layer to the controversy.

Everton now turn their attention to their next Premier League fixture, but the penalty incident is unlikely to disappear quickly. PGMOL may review the decision internally, while Everton seek clarification over the process and interpretation.

For West Ham, the focus remains on building momentum after an important victory, but this match may remain part of the wider officiating debate for days to come.

With VAR scrutiny increasing every week, moments like this continue to shape the Premier League conversation.

Was Everton denied a clear penalty, or did officials get the call right?