Chaos Erupts in Merseyside Derby as Late Equalizer Sparks Brawl and Red Cards
The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on February 12, 2025, ended in dramatic fashion, with a late equalizer sparking chaos and multiple red cards after the final whistle. The match, which finished 2-2, was marred by a brawl involving players and coaching staff, resulting in four dismissals.
Everton’s James Tarkowski scored a 98th-minute equalizer, which survived a VAR check for offside and a potential foul. The goal triggered wild celebrations, with Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré running toward Liverpool fans to celebrate, provoking a reaction from Liverpool’s Curtis Jones. The two players clashed, leading to a melee involving both teams. Referee Michael Oliver issued second yellow cards to Jones and Doucouré, sending them off. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown straight red cards for their involvement in the altercation.
The Premier League confirmed that Doucouré was onside in the build-up to Tarkowski’s goal but did not address claims of a foul on Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté. The chaotic scenes have prompted warnings from former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, who stated that both clubs could face FA charges for failing to control their players. Fines are expected, with Liverpool also likely to be penalized for accumulating six cards during the match.
The match, postponed from December 7 due to Storm Darragh, was the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before Everton’s planned move to a new stadium. The draw dented Liverpool’s title hopes while providing Everton with a crucial point in their relegation battle. Everton manager David Moyes described the game as a “throwback” and praised his team’s resilience against a strong Liverpool side. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk criticized the referee’s handling of the match, stating that Oliver “didn’t have the game under control.”
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