TIM HOWARD has questioned the decision to send Martin Atkinson to meet with Everton and Liverpool players just days before officiating the Merseyside derby.

Atkinson visited Finch Farm and Melwood to issue a scheduled update on this season’s developments and interpretations of the game’s laws, despite having already been appointed to take charge of the weekend Goodison meeting between the clubs.

The referee controversially deemed a 23rd-minute challenge by Jack Rodwell on Luis Suarez as a red-card offence, with Liverpool ultimately taking advantage of their numerical supremacy to secure a 2-0 victory.

And Howard claims Atkinson veered from the guidelines he issued before Saturday’s match.

“The referee came to visit us at the training ground in the week, and there were a few things he said he would clamp down on – none of which he did,” said the Everton goalkeeper.

“I don’t know what the deal was bringing the referee for the Merseyside derby to the clubs just three days before a game.

“It kinda makes everyone a bit uneasy. I’m sure they (Liverpool) would have been uneasy about it, we were uneasy about it, and it’s probably not the best idea.

“I don’t know where that came from, who mandated it.

“I don’t think he put into practice what he talked about.”

Howard revealed Atkinson later did not explain his decision to send off Rodwell for what appeared to nearly everyone inside Goodison as a strong but fair challenge.