Richard Keys believes Richarlison should face no retrospective action from the FA for throwing a flare into the Goodison Park crowd during Sunday's 1-0 victory over Chelsea.
The Brazilian forward was the hero for Frank Lampard's side during the win at the weekend and let his emotions get the better of him after celebrating his goal, which could now prompt a formal investigation. Attempting to diffuse the situation after the match, an Everton spokesperson said: "We will look into the matter but, as far we are concerned, Richarlison was attempting to throw it out of the ground."
If charged, the Blues' star striker could be handed a three-game ban for his actions and would be a major miss as Everton attempt to avoid relegation. Sharing his view on why this would be the wrong decision, Keys is of the view Richarlison was 'stupid' but 'wouldn't have been aware of the laws'.
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"I hope the FA see sense and simply warn Richarlison about his future behaviour. I said on beINSPORTS that I thought he was a lucky boy. He should really have been sent-off for throwing that flare back into the crowd. It’s deemed a ‘violent act’ - but I don’t believe it was," said the sports broadcaster in his online column.
"It was a stupid act for sure and he should be warned. I know ignorance is no defence but he wouldn’t have been aware of the laws covering things like that. What he certainly wasn’t doing was ‘throwing the flare out of the stadium’ as Everton have claimed. Perhaps he was thinking about buying a tractor like our Tory friend Neil Parish? That’s right up their with his excuse! It would be unfair if the FA enforce a 3-game ban and he missed crucial games now."
Keys also paid tribute to the outstanding performance of Jordan Pickford, adding: "Regulars will know he’s not my favourite. He frightens me to death. He always looks a bag of nerves, but he worked that mania to his and Everton’s benefit on Sunday. Well played. Fantastic stop - and three massive points."
