Dewsbury-Hall Criticizes Premier League Referees

Published: 30 September ‘2025. the English Chronicle Desk

Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has expressed his frustration with Premier League officiating, calling it “mind-boggling” after receiving a suspension due to accumulating five yellow cards in just six league appearances. The suspension will force the 27-year-old to miss Sunday’s clash against Crystal Palace, following his booking for a challenge on West Ham’s Kyle Walker-Peters during Monday’s 1-1 draw.

In a candid post on X, Dewsbury-Hall questioned the consistency of refereeing, noting that some decisions are “so hard to take” and leaving him bewildered by the process. While suspensions for yellow card accumulation at an early stage in the season are not unprecedented—Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson faced a similar situation two seasons ago—Dewsbury-Hall’s reaction underscores the growing discontent among players over match officiating standards.

Everton manager David Moyes also voiced his disapproval of the decision, describing referee Samuel Barrott’s call as “shabby” and questioning the overall quality of officiating in the Premier League. Moyes remarked that the team, like many others, has experienced a frustrating series of referee decisions, emphasizing that Dewsbury-Hall’s booking was particularly egregious.

Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Everton from Chelsea in August for a reported £28 million, has been a regular starter, appearing in all six of the club’s league games this season. His fourth yellow card came during the 2-1 defeat against Liverpool on 20 September, when he took a quick free-kick—a decision that sparked controversy among players and pundits alike.

Jack Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall’s teammate, was similarly outspoken, criticizing referee Darren England’s decision and stating he had “never seen that in my life,” highlighting the extent of the frustration within the squad. This incident has reignited the debate over refereeing standards in English football, with Everton players and management openly questioning the consistency and judgment of match officials at the highest level.

As Everton prepare for their next fixture without Dewsbury-Hall, the suspension serves as both a setback for the team and a focal point in ongoing discussions about the quality of officiating in the Premier League. For Dewsbury-Hall and his teammates, the hope is that these challenges will not derail the team’s early-season momentum while putting renewed pressure on referees to maintain fairness and consistency in their decisions.