Everton favourite Tim Cahill has hit out at the abuse that Jordan Pickford has received following his challenge on Virgil van Dijk in the Merseyside derby.
The Blues keeper escaped a red card after his challenge on the Liverpool defender went unpunished by VAR, a decision which caused much debate.
In the aftermath of that incident, Pickford has faced a torrent of abuse on social media, along with criticisms orientated around his poor form this calendar year.
Carlo Ancelotti has made a big decision for the Premier League clash with Newcastle United, with Pickford dropping to the bench and Robin Olsen making his debut.
Ancelotti has stated that Pickford will return against Manchester United next week, something Cahill is glad about, as he issued his verdict on the situation.
“The way Ancelotti is, his man-management, you’ve got to think about what Pickford has been through, mentally.
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" The things I don’t like as a player, are some of the things that are happening off the field, it’s the abuse he’s getting," he told Sky Sports.
"One thing is making that bad challenge, but the second thing is the accountability has to come from VAR. It’s a subjective decision, Pickford stayed on the pitch, he didn’t get a red card, then afterwards it’s the aftermath.
"You can look into it all you want, it might be the right thing for him, but this is football, and as a goalkeeper, it’ll be good to see his reaction.
"The goalkeeper, Olsen, has got a chance, and that’s what you want as a player. He’s been given his chance, he’s just said Pickford will be back in - I like that - that’s an assertive manager.”
