KIERAN GIBBS was sent off for hitting Everton new boy James Rodriguez in the face – sparking a massive meltdown at Goodison Park.
The left-back reduced the Baggies to ten men just before the whistle blew to end the first-half, with the visitors already trailing 2-1.
Kieran Gibbs was sent off for hitting Everton new boy James Rodriguez in the faceCredit: BT Sport
Gibbs reduced the Baggies to ten men at Goodison Park just before the whistle blew to end the first-half,Credit: BT Sport
Gibbs is sent off following the off-the ball incident Credit: Ian Hodgson – Daily Mail
Baggies boss Slaven Bilic was then red carded for confronting referee Mike Dean
But an off-the ball incident resulted in former Arsenal defender Gibbs striking Rodriguez – signed from Real Madrid this summer – in the face.
The Colombian forward collided with Gibbs following a late challenge which sparked the outrageous response from the West Brom full-back.
To make matters worse, Baggies boss Slaven Bilic was then red carded for confronting referee Mike Dean.
Bilic was heard repeatedly asking Dean to ‘check the foul’ which may have been a reference to Rodriguez’s late shoulder barge on Gibbs.
He said: “Check the foul for us and the red card. Next time kills us.
Dean repeated “Go away” but Billic responded, “Next time kills us. You can also kill us.” Before he was then sent off.
West Brom had taken an early lead inside ten minutes after Grady Diangana’s solo run was capped off after he struck past Jordan Pickford.
England stopper Pickford faced criticism online for the goal which arrowed through his palms.
But his blushes were sparred on the half hour mark as Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted consecutive goals, having headed Everton’s winner against Tottenham last week.
Initially the striker’s flick just yards away from the goal lined was ruled offside – but after a VAR check the equaliser was awarded.
Rodriguez – just moments before his altercation with Gibbs – put the Toffees in the lead.
Having picked up the ball just on the edge of the box, the the playmaker shifted it onto his left foot and placed it into the bottom corner.
Rodriguez was again started on the right flank which set him up against Gibbs throughout the opening 45 minutes.
But after Gibbs laid a pass back to a team-mate in added time, Rodriguez came in with late contact.
Immediately the defender reacted by striking Rodriguez in the face, which caused him to go down and Gibbs received a straight red.
Jordan Pickford facing uncertain Everton future with Carlo Ancelotti not convinced he has future at club after huge mistakes
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
