In a dramatic conclusion to the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has accused Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure of deliberately provoking Liverpool supporters, leading to a heated altercation that saw multiple red cards issued.
The tension erupted after James Tarkowski netted a 97th-minute equalizer for Everton, prompting Doucoure to celebrate directly in front of the visiting Liverpool fans.
This act incited a confrontation with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, resulting in both players receiving second yellow cards and subsequent expulsions.
Tensions flare at full-time between Liverpool and Everton 😳
Confrontation between both sides sparks multiple red cards…
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 12, 2025
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were also shown red cards amid the ensuing chaos.
Reflecting on the incident, Van Dijk expressed his disapproval of Doucoure’s actions. “We saw how they celebrated the goal; they have all the right to,” he remarked to TNT Sports.
“I think Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans, I think that is what I saw, and Curtis Jones didn’t think it was the right thing to do. And then you know what happens if there is a little tussle.”
He further criticized the officiating, stating, “I didn’t think the referee had the game under control. Both teams had to deal with it. This was their cup final.
I think the referee had a big part in the game, in terms of certain challenges were given as fouls and similar weren’t.”
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, providing commentary for TNT Sports, empathized with Jones’ reaction.
Drawing from his own experiences, Ferdinand said, “I’ve been there, [Mario] Balotelli at Wembley doing that to our [Manchester United] fans.
I was incensed, and I can understand Curtis Jones. You don’t want to see anyone creating a storm like that, but the feeling when you see someone go up to your fans, giving it to them.”
Everton manager David Moyes addressed the incident, expressing disappointment over Doucoure’s impending suspension.
“I didn’t see it from where I was. I have had a chance to see it, and I’m disappointed because Doucoure played really well tonight, and I’m going to now lose him because he’s got a second yellow card which turned into a red,” Moyes commented.
He acknowledged the charged atmosphere, noting, “The emotions were running high here all night; the stadium was at fever pitch.
You could see what it meant to supporters at the end of the game; the crowd was rocking. It was one of the big nights.”
The match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, was marked by intense emotions and confrontations, underscoring the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
As the final whistle blew, the repercussions of the night’s events left both teams grappling with the fallout from the dramatic showdown.
