Moyes hopes for strong referee

David Moyes hopes Everton's chances of victory in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool on Sunday will not be unduly affected by refereeing decisions.

The Toffees boss was furious after last season's home defeat by their city rivals when Jack Rodwell was sent off for a tackle on Luis Suarez, a decision that was later rescinded. Everton have already been dealt a blow with the absence of key midfielder Steven Pienaar, who was shown a red card in last weekend's 1-1 draw at QPR and serves a one-match ban.

The South African's second yellow card for a foul on Jose Bosingwa also earned Moyes' wrath, and he feels Everton have been on the wrong end of a number of decisions so far this season. The Scot said: "It was a ludicrous decision, it really was. The boy kicked Steven Pienaar and Steven Pienaar got punished for it."

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