BBC pundit gives verdict on Richarlison reaction to Benitez decision

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Clinton Morrison has told BBC Sport that Richarlison was wrong to react in the manner he did as he was substituted by Everton boss Rafa Benitez during their defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

It feels like one step forward and three back for Benitez at Goodison Park. They went into their clash with the Eagles having beaten Arsenal in dramatic fashion on Monday. And they boasted an impressive record at Selhurst Park.

However, goals from Conor Gallagher and James Tomkins either side of the break ensured that Patrick Vieira’s men took the three points. Gallagher would seal the victory with a stoppage-time screamer.

Of course, the Tomkins goal was particularly disappointing as it seemed to put the contest beyond the Toffees. But it will have infuriated many Everton fans as it came just four minutes after a controversial decision from Benitez.

Richarlison had the ball in the net three times against Arsenal. One stood, one should have stood, and another was fractionally offside. So he would have perhaps been the last player most Everton fans would replace at 1-0 down against Palace.

However, Benitez decided to take him off, replacing him with Salomon Rondon in the 58th minute.

‘He has to respect the manager’: Morrison reacts as Richarlison fails to hide frustration at Benitez

Richarlison made no attempt to hide what he made of the call. He was clearly annoyed. And he was shown still struggling to conceal his disappointment on the bench several minutes later.

The decision had some benefit for Everton. Rondon went on to halve the deficit with his first goal for the club. But you can understand why many were baffled by Richarlison being the player to come off.

Nevertheless, Morrison suggested that the forward acted poorly as he left the pitch.

“Some of the Everton fans are booing, they’re disappointed with it, they’re losing the game,” he told BBC Sport. “Richarlison is frustrated but he can’t react like that, he has to respect his manager.”