Premier League statement as four red cards shown in Liverpool and Everton brawl

The Premier League have issued a statement after four red cards were shown after full-time of Everton and Liverpool’s clash.

After James Tarkowski slammed home a 98th minute equaliser to rescue Everton a point against Liverpool in the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, chaos ensued.

The full-time whistle was blown just seconds after the restart as Everton fans had entered the pitch to celebrate. And soon after, a brawl broke out when Curtis Jones took issue with Abdoulaye Doucoure’s celebration in front of the Liverpool fans.

In the brawl and the resulting complaints, four red cards were shown by Michael Oliver, although it wasn’t clear at the time who to. The Premier League have confirmed that Jones, Doucoure, Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were shown red cards.

A statement posted by Premier League Match Centre said: "The referee issued second yellow cards and red cards to Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucouré following an altercation after the final whistle. Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown straight red cards after the final whistle."

Tarkowski’s last-gasp equaliser was subjected to a lengthy VAR check, first for a potential offside before a possible foul was checked after the offside decision was cleared. However, the Premier League are yet to explain the decision regarding the checks for the goal.

Everton had taken the lead when Beto latched onto a quickly taken free-kick from Jarrad Branthwaite after just 11 minutes. But Liverpool equalised through Alexis Mac Allister’s header just five minutes later.

Mohamed Salah thought he had won the Reds all three points when he put the visitors ahead late on. But Tarkowski’s goal will go down in Everton folklore as the Toffees rescued a point.

Following the game, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was asked about the fracas after full-time. "It was a very big provocation from one certain player," Van Dijk said.

"We all saw it and reacted as a team as we were able to do. You know what happens nowadays, it becomes one big tussle. Then it is not me who has to deal with it, it is the referee and today I am not sure he had it fully under control."