Johnson ‘too scared’ to appeal for penalties
Johnson was the victim of another incident when TV replays showed he was fouled in the box by Aston Villa’s Stilian Petrov in Monday’s 1-1 draw at Villa Park.
The former Crystal Palace marksman, who will lead Everton’s attack today at home to Fulham, did not even appeal.
Johnson has been involved in several incidents this season when he has not been awarded penalties after being brought down, a situation which arose after he had been accused of diving by opposing managers and players.
But Stubbs still feels Johnson is not getting the rub of the green and believes it is because Johnson does not remonstrate with officials or make a meal of a challenge.
Stubbs said: “The Villa incident was another one where AJ was probably too honest for his own good.
“Other managers have moaned about him but anyone who looks at the game can clearly see it was a stonewall penalty. Anywhere else on the pitch it is a booking straight away.”
David Moyes agrees, adding: “The referee will have looked at that incident and know he got it wrong. It was so obvious, but Andy didn’t get the decision.
“He does not appeal now, it does worry him. But maybe we shall have to start being more determined ourselves about appealing.”
Everton will have James McFadden back in the squad after an eight-game absence with a broken metatarsal, while Manuel Fernandes is unlikely to be involved as he recovers from a thigh injury.
Meanwhile Fulham boss Chris Coleman believes it would take heavy investment for Fulham to challenge in the top half of the Premiership.
The Cottagers are five points from 10th and five from the bottom three.
The Welshman said: “Our problem is that we’ve been in the Premiership for six years and if we are not in mid-table there must be a problem. Why should we be mid-table? There are 10 bigger clubs than us with bigger spending power.
“It doesn’t mean we can’t strive towards the top 10, that’s what we want to do.”
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