Manchester City defender John Stones hobbled off with an ankle injury after the assistant referee failed to raise his flag as Beto went through on goal despite being offside.

Then, in the second half, Everton believed they had been treated unfairly after a penalty was awarded against them for Amadou Onana’s handball from Nathan Ake’s strike.

It allowed Julian Alvarez to score from the penalty spot, and goals from Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva on either side gave the visitors a 3-1 win.

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“I have no idea about the penalty,” Dyche admitted. “I don’t believe anyone does. We had a Zoom call a few months ago, and all of the managers agreed that it is a farce, and we have no idea why they are imposing fines.

“The rules state this, so they gave it tonight.” I’m not sure what the linesman was thinking when he gave it from 50 yards out. They have the letter of the law, and it is not the fault of the referee. Is that on purpose? Certainly not.”