Sean Dyche has called for Premier League officials to show more “tolerance” towards managers’ behaviour, as he prepares to watch Everton’s clash with Manchester City from the stands.
Dyche will serve a one-match touchline ban when the Toffees visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday after receiving his third yellow card of the season during last week’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Dyche was booked by referee Michael Oliver for complaining about the non-award of a penalty after striker Beto went down in the Spurs area.
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The likes of Pep Guardiola and Erik ten Hag have also served suspensions after receiving three cautions this season, and Dyche thinks officials could be more understanding of managers’ actions.
“I think there should be a bit more tolerance,” Dyche said. “The fourth official is there and if deep down they are thinking the referee might have got it wrong, I don’t see why you are booked for [protesting] it.
“That’s the moment when they should use a bit of their game understanding and say ‘okay, he maybe got that one wrong but we need you to stay in the technical area’.
“I think that can be a calming moment. The fourth official doesn’t have to agree with me but he could go, ‘just slow yourself down’, to calm the moment.”
City away ⏳#MCIEVE PIC.TWITTER.COM/XPU2DQTGOB
— Everton (@Everton) FEBRUARY 7, 2024
Everton have failed to win any of their last six Premier League games, drawing their last three, and Luton Town’s resurgence has seen the Toffees plunged into the relegation zone.
However, Dyche believes his team have been competitive in almost every game they have played this campaign, with their 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules making all the difference to their position in the table.
“We haven’t found that win but we’ve been looking solid in our performances, and before that we won four on the trot,” Dyche said.
“If you add it all together, it’s a healthy points return if you look at the bigger picture and add the 10 points on.
“We’re right in every game. There have been a couple that have got away from us this season, but not many, we’ve been right in every game.”
A fitness update from the boss ahead of Saturday’s game at Manchester City.@WEARFIGS 🔵 #MCIEVE PIC.TWITTER.COM/HDRNZOZB8Y
— Everton (@Everton) FEBRUARY 8, 2024