- Everton have had their fair share of poor refereeing this season.
- Various poor decisions impacted their final league position.
- Only Premier League team to not have an advantageous VAR decision.
The Premier League 2025-26 season did not see Everton meet eye to eye with referees.
Their opening match against Leeds United saw a contentious penalty decision go against them, and the historic first league encounter at Hill Dickinson Stadium also included a controversial spot kick.
It was an overall disappointing campaign for the Toffees, and while they did not show sufficient quality to claim a European spot, poor officiating also had its say on their final position.
With the season now ended, a Premier League referee has revealed the Everton star he would least like to officiate ahead 2026-27.
James Garner proves to be a tough player to officiate
Referee Graham Scott, gave his verdict on the standard officiating in 2025-26, and analysed notable controversial decisions, as well as highlighting particular players.
He stated the player that he would least like to referee, and that player turned out be Everton’s midfield workhorse, James Garner.
Scott said: “Nothing personal, but simply based on his record of 115 tackles and 12 yellow cards, both the highest in the league.
“I admire the energy and competitive spirit, but that looks too much like hard work.”
Garner was one of two outfielders, alongside Thierno Barry, to have featured in all 38 league matches for the Toffees this season.
The Englishman missed out on a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s side for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, yet this should mean the 25-year-old will return for the Blues’ first day of pre-season training.
The energy and competitive spirit of James Garner
Scott’s words on Garner have perfectly summarised the impact he has on David Moyes’ side.
The energy he brings is an uplifting presence, and his ability to play in multiple areas on the pitch goes to show that the midfielder knits the team together nicely.
12 yellow cards in the league is not a stat to boast about, but he did not get sent off once for the Toffees, which emphasises his composure, even when on the tight rope that is a yellow card.
Prior to this season, Garner’s best ability was arguably his skill as a utility player, however, such an impressive campaign, which included making his England senior debut, spotlights that he will be at the fore of Everton’s ever progressing rebuild.
