Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has claimed that referee Michael Oliver lost control of the Merseyside derby as players clashed after the whistle.
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Liverpool draw 2-2 with EvertonBrawl sparked after Toffees' late equaliserVan Dijk criticises referee for losing controlFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
In what was a fitting final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Everton were able to take away points from their Premier League title-chasing Merseyside rivals, Liverpool, in the dying embers of the match. The Toffees equalised in the 98th minute of the clash as James Tarkowski smashed a superb volley past Alisson Becker to ensure the clash ended 2-2.
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However, Everton's wild celebrations soon turned ugly as an interaction between Abdoulaye Doucoure and the away crowd sparked a huge brawl. Curtis Jones confronted the Toffees midfielder before both sides' players and support staff became embroiled in a tussle which had to be broken up by stewards and police officers. Referee Oliver showed red cards to Doucoure and Jones before sending off Reds boss Arne Slot and his assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff for their protests. Van Dijk has now criticised the referee by claiming he failed to 'control' the proceedings at Goodison Park.
Getty Images SportWHAT VAN DIJK SAID
Speaking to TNT Sport, Van Dijk said: "Obviously you saw how they celebrated the goal, and they have every right to.
"I think Doucoure in the end wanted to provoke our fans and Curtis didn't think that was the right thing to do and obviosuly you know what happens when there is a tussle.
"I think the ref didn't have the game under control in my opinion … Both teams have to deal with it. It is what it is. We just need to move on."
WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
The draw means Liverpool now lead the Premier League by seven points from Arsenal. The Reds are up against Wolves next on Sunday, February 16.