Everton Fans Demand 'Petulant Child' Axed After 'Criminally Bad' Display vs Brentford

Everton suffered a humiliating 2-4 defeat to Brentford at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium on January 4, 2026, sparking fury among Toffees supporters who called for the immediate axing of a star player dubbed a 'petulant child'.[1][2][3][6]

The match, Everton's first home game of 2026 in their brand-new stadium opened in summer 2025, began disastrously. Brentford's Igor Thiago fired the opener in the 11th minute, his first Premier League goal since November, assisted by Vitaly Janelt. Everton struggled to respond, with shots from Tim Iroegbunam and Tyler Barry failing to trouble Brentford.[1][2][4]

Yellow cards to Brentford's Y. Yarmoliuk (31') and M. Kayode (39') did little to stem the tide, as Thiago tucked away another chance late in the first half. The second half exploded into life: Nathan Collins headed home in the 50th minute for 0-3, seemingly sealing Brentford's dominance.[1][2][3]

Everton mounted a brief fightback, with Beto scoring in the 66th minute and Tyler Barry adding a second, but it was too late. Brentford restored their lead and piled on the agony for a final 4-2 scoreline, leaving Everton outplayed in their own backyard.[2][4][6]

Fan outrage erupted online post-match. Supporters targeted young midfielder Tyler Dibling, branding him a 'petulant child' for his 'criminally bad' display—marked by poor decision-making, petulant fouls, and a blatant dive waved away by referee Anthony Taylor. Social media lit up with demands: "Dibling is a liability—axe him now!" and "Petulant child cost us dearly today."[1][2]

Everton, sitting 8th with 28 points, now face mounting pressure in the mid-table scrap, while Brentford (27 points) climb confidently. Manager David Moyes defended his side, but fans' patience is wearing thin after this dismal showing.[3]

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