Popular pundit and commentator Ally McCoist attempted to draw Everton winger Andros Townsend into discussing the controversy surrounding a recent clash between Brazil and Argentina.
In order to prevent quarantining and the absence from league clashes as a result, Premier League clubs barred players from travelling to certain countries over the international break – meaning Richarlison was prevented from a Brazil call-up.
Indeed, Brazil did not call up a single Premier League player but Argentina chose to summon Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Emiliano Buendia despite the wishes of their club.
Brazilian health officials stormed the pitch to arrest the Argentine players after breaching Brazil’s own health rules in a dramatic twist after the players lied on official records over their residence in the UK.
Townsend – who undertook punditry over the summer – appeared as a guest on talkSPORT on Tuesday morning [07/09/21 via Goodison News], and he was asked about Richarlison’s view of the incident.
Ally McCoist asked: “Richarlison must be the happiest man at Goodison, he’s saved himself a journey hasn’t he?”
Townsend replied with laugher before stating: “No comment!”
There were then shared guffaws between McCoist, Townsend and co-host Laura Woods.
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Everton appear to have dodged a bullet by refusing to release Richarlison for international duty.
The talismanic Toffees attacker is an Olympic gold medallist following Brazil’s ultimate victory in Tokyo, and he is clearly a patriotic competitor given his keenness to play for his country.
With Richarlison out of the limelight, he is rested and available for upcoming league games – and has spared the Blues some blushes in the process.
