Jamie Carragher blasts Luton defender Teden Mengi for ‘gifting’ Everton a penalty with ‘ridiculous’ challenge on Jarrad Branthwaite with Hatters in relegation dogfight
- Luton defender Teden Mengi gave away a penalty during their crucial clash
- Referee Tim Robinson was asked to review the incident by VAR.
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Jamie Carragher has criticized Luton defender Teden Mengi for ‘gifting’ Everton a penalty during their Premier League clash on Friday night.
Mengi held off Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during a first-half corner at Kenilworth Road.
The challenge was spotted by VAR and referee Tim Robinson was asked to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, before awarding the visitors a penalty.
Carragher was not impressed by the challenge.
He said on Sky Sports: “What the hell is Teden Mengi playing at?
Luton defender Teden Mengi (middle) was penalized for holding on to Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite
Mengi battled with Branthwaite in the box as Everton took a corner
Branthwaite went down after being held by Mengi in the first half at Kenilworth Road
“Crucial game in Luton’s battle against relegation and it just delivers penalties like that.
‘Absolutely ridiculous.’
He added: “It’s absolutely ridiculous from the Luton defender. How do people think they can get away with tackles like this with VAR?’
Gary Neville agreed with his Sky Sports colleague.
“Yes, it was (a penalty),” the former Manchester United right-back said at half-time.
“I have a very high bar when it comes to defenders trying to block and hold. I used to do this myself, but it’s just not smart at all.
The challenge was spotted by VAR and referee Tim Robinson was advised to look into it.
Jamie Carragher (left) blasted Teden Mengi for ‘gifting’ Everton a penalty, while Gary Neville (right) agreed with the decision.
“From every angle, he left VAR with nowhere to go.
“Look at the strength in his face. he really has to struggle. Jarrad Branthwaite ends up going down to get the penalty, but absolutely (a penalty).
Robinson eventually awarded a penalty and Dominic Calvert-Lewin hammered his spot-kick into the middle to give the visitors the lead in the 24th minute.
But Luton hit back seven minutes later as Elijah Adebayo fired home.
