Micah Richards reacts to Everton controversy v Southampton, Joe Hart agrees

Micah Richards believes referee Andrew Madley was right to only show Jan Bednarek a yellow card in Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.

   The Saints defender was booked after bringing down Beta just outside the box during the Toffees’ defeat at St Mary’s Stadium on November 2, leaving only goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale standing.

   The decision naturally caused outrage among the traveling fans, particularly nine minutes later when Adam Armstrong scored the winner to give Russell Martin’s side all three points.

   Speaking on the BBC’s Match of the Day on Saturday (October 2), Richards said: “I understand why he [Sean Dyche] is not happy, but there is cover everywhere. Harwood-Bellis is there. The yellow card is the right decision.

   Joe Hart added: “I agree. I think Harwood-Bellis will be fine.”

   Everton suffered a setback when they lost to Southampton

   The Toffees should be clear favorites when they travel to the south coast, but given the way the season has gone so far, defeat isn’t the most surprising result.

   Many experts predicted a narrow victory for the Saints, who have now managed to rise from the bottom of the Premier League table, but at the expense of Dyche’s team.

   While their five-match unbeaten run has ended, the team appear to be delaying the inevitable after Beto’s 94th-minute equalizer against Fulham last time out.

   Dyche has every right to be disappointed with the decision to just give Bednarek a warning.    Still, the Toffees shouldn’t rely on a single moment to beat a relegation-threatened side.

   They had more than enough quality to take all three points at St Mary’s Stadium, but with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindström struggling in the final third, it wasn’t their day.

   The upcoming clash against West Ham is sure to be an interesting away day for the Toffees, and Dyche will have another chance to atone for the 0-1 loss against Southampton.