The Premier League have issued a statement following the chaos between Liverpool and Everton that saw four red cards shown after the final whistle.
It was another dramatic night in the Premier League title race at Goodison Park, with the league forced to release a number of statements after Liverpool’s dramatic draw with Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
What Happened?
Beto gave the hosts the lead after just 11 minutes but it took Arne Slot’s side just five minutes to respond with Alexis Mac Allister restoring parity. Liverpool then scored what they thought was the winner though Mohamed Salah on the 73rd minute, only for James Tarkowski’s dramatic stoppage-time equalizer to shake up the title race once again.
The late goal sparked wild scenes at Goodison and midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure was spotted racing to celebrate in front of the travelling Liverpool supporters, prompting an angry response from Reds’ man Curtis Jones. A number of players would pile in to try and separate the two players, who were shown red cards by referee Michael Oliver as a result.
Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff also found themselves on the receiving end red cards, though the Premier League did not clarify the reason for those being handed out.
Premier League’s Official Statement
In an official statement, the Premier League backed Oliver’s decision to hand out four red cards after full-time.
A Premier League statement read: “The referee issued second yellow cards and red cards to Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure following an altercation after the final whistle. Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown straight red cards after the final whistle.”
The Premier league also confirmed that Doucoure was onside in the build-up to Tarkowski’s goal but made no mention of claims regarding a possible foul in the lead-up.
“The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR- who established that Doucouré was in an onside position in the build-up,” the statement added.
Van Dijk Slams Everton and Referee
Slot was prevented from speaking to the press due to his sending off, with captain Virgil van Dijk providing the initial reaction from the Liverpool camp. The defender made a sly dig at Everton as he blasted Doucoure.
“This is their cup final. We saw it last year, and this year it’s a big blow. Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans. Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do. I think the referee didn’t have the game in control; I said that to him,” Van Dijk fumed.
“It was a very big provocation from one certain player. We all saw it and reacted as a team as we were able to do. You know what happens nowadays, it becomes one big tussle. Then it is not me who has to deal with it, it is the referee and today I am not sure he had it fully under control.”
Moyes Happy With Point, Disappointed in Doucoure
Everton boss David Moyes admitted he was disappointed in Doucoure’s actions but he insisted he was delighted to see his side claim a precious point from their rivals.
“Mental probably sums it up. A brilliant finish for us, to finish the last Goodison Merseyside derby and score in the last minute is in a way fitting. [Tarkowski] had the quality which was the one that really mattered,” he told TNT Sports.
“I’m disappointed with Doucoure because we need him, we’re down on numbers at the moment. We’ve got to be careful what we do. Discipline is never easy sometimes in these games and tonight was a game where quite easily sending offs happen.”
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