Chaotic Scenes Mar End of Everton-Liverpool Match

The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park concluded with dramatic scenes as a late Everton equalizer sparked a heated confrontation between players.

Liverpool appeared on course for victory until James Tarkowski’s thunderous 98th minute strike secured a 2-2 draw for Everton.

As the final whistle blew, Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated exuberantly in front of the Liverpool supporters. This provoked an angry reaction from Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, who rushed over to confront Doucoure.

Jones aggressively grabbed Doucoure’s shirt before Everton players Ashley Young and Carlos Alcaraz intervened to separate them. Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister quickly joined the fray to back up their teammate.

The situation rapidly escalated as more players became involved in the melee. Police officers eventually stepped in to try and restore order.

Liverpool staff managed to pull Jones away, but the midfielder was still visibly furious and attempting to confront Doucoure again. Everton’s James Tarkowski helped escort his teammate away from the confrontation.

Referee Michael Oliver showed second yellow cards to both Jones and Doucoure, meaning they will be suspended for their teams’ next matches. Liverpool manager Arne Slot was also sent off after exchanging words with the referee.

The dramatic ending overshadowed an intense derby match. Beto had given Everton an early lead before Mac Allister equalized. Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead in the second half until Tarkowski’s last-gasp leveler.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed frustration after the game, describing it as Everton’s “cup final” and lamenting the late equalizer as “very disappointing.” The draw sees Liverpool extend their lead atop the Premier League table to seven points.