Virgil van Dijk could not resist making a dig at Everton gamers and followers after Liverpool have been denied Merseyside’s bragging rights on the dying.
The Liverpool defender took goal at Everton and Toffees midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure as properly, accusing him of sparking a chaotic post-match scrap which led to Reds boss Arne Slot in addition to Curtis Jones and Doucoure getting despatched off.
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Everton rescued some extent deep into stoppage time within the last derby at their well-known Goodison Park earlier than they transfer to a brand new stadium in the summertime.
James Tarkowski’s volley within the eighth minute of stoppage-time sparked chaotic scenes as flares have been set off and followers ran on the pitch to have fun with the gamers.
There was additional drama as soon as the objective was confirmed by VAR and the full-time whistle was blown.
Doucoure and Curtis Jones have been each despatched off for clashing in entrance of the travelling Liverpool supporters.
The Everton midfielder had appeared to taunt the Reds followers earlier than Jones confronted him, sparking a brawl between a number of gamers.
Slot was proven a pink card by referee Michael Oliver moments later.
When requested to sum up the match, Van Dijk advised this was the most important recreation Everton will play all season in a cheeky dig.
Van Dijk informed TNT Sports activities: “Intense, it was at all times going to be intense.
“Numerous battles. Very disappointing to concede within the final second of the sport, and even over additional time, however it’s what it’s.
“It is not straightforward to just accept it, particularly within the method how, however we take it and transfer on.
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“I feel the referee had an enormous half within the recreation at this time when it comes to sure challenges got as fouls and related weren’t.
“In the long run it’s simply disappointing to concede an excellent strike, however a disappointing one.
“That is their cup last and they might attempt to do every part of their energy to make it tough for us. It’s a huge enhance for them however a blow for us.”
As for the full-time incident, Van Dijk added: “I feel Doucoure wished to impress our followers, I feel, that is what I noticed.
“Curtis did not assume that was the appropriate factor to do after which clearly you recognize what occurs when there’s a little tussle.
“However I feel the ref did not have the sport beneath management for my part. I mentioned it to him. I do not know what it’s however it’s an impact. Each groups need to take care of it.
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“Pay attention, it’s what it’s, take some extent and we’ll transfer on.”
Everton had taken an early lead by means of Beto earlier than Alexis Mac Allister equalised 5 minutes later.
Mohamed Salah’s second half strike then seemed set to safe all three factors for the league leaders.
Nevertheless, Tarkowski’s late equaliser means their benefit on the summit is just prolonged to seven factors.
As for the house aspect, Everton transfer above West Ham and into fifteenth on objective distinction.
The Toffees are unbeaten of their final 4 league matches, with the hole to the underside three now ten factors.
