Everton’s Dramatic 2-2 Draw with Liverpool Ends in Controversy as Doucoure Sees Red
The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was a thrilling affair, full of drama and late twists. Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure found himself at the center of it all, ultimately receiving a red card after the final whistle for provoking the away section following James Tarkowski’s dramatic 98th-minute equalizer.
Beto put Everton ahead with a smart finish in the 11th minute, but Liverpool responded quickly as Alexis Mac Allister netted a well-placed header just five minutes later. The visitors looked poised for victory when Mohamed Salah scored from close range in the 73rd minute.
However, Tarkowski had other ideas, unleashing a powerful strike deep into stoppage time. The goal was met with controversy as Liverpool players protested an alleged foul on Ibrahima Konaté in the build-up, leading to a lengthy VAR review. But when referee Michael Oliver confirmed the goal, Goodison Park—especially the Gwladys Street End—erupted in celebration.
Heated Exchanges: Doucoure Clashes with Van Dijk and Arne Slot
Four Red Cards Issued After the Final Whistle
The chaos continued after the match as Doucoure directed his celebrations toward the away fans, angering Curtis Jones. A heated confrontation ensued, leading to a scuffle between players from both teams, which stewards and officials had to break up.
Oliver showed Jones a second yellow, resulting in his dismissal, while Doucoure, reveling in the moment, was also booked again and sent off. His frustration boiled over in an exchange with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, which was caught on camera.
Van Dijk taunted Doucoure:
“Hey, how you like that?”
Doucoure fired back:
“Fin go inside!”*
Liverpool manager Arne Slot also saw red, following his assistant Sipke Hulshoff. Clearly frustrated by the late equalizer, Slot shook Oliver’s hand aggressively before exiting. Doucoure, still fired up, continued his spat with Van Dijk upon seeing Slot’s dismissal:
“Ah, that’s it!”
Moyes Frustrated Over Doucoure’s Suspension
Everton boss David Moyes was disappointed to lose Doucoure for their upcoming clash against Crystal Palace on February 15.
“I didn’t see it from where I was, but I’ve had a chance to review it. I’m disappointed because Doucoure played really well tonight, and now I’m going to lose him due to a second yellow turning into a red.”
Despite the fiery ending, it was a fitting farewell to the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before Everton’s move to Bramley-Moore Dock. The result extended Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points over Arsenal, while Everton sit 15th, 10 points above the relegation zone.
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