Amidst the fervor at Goodison Park, under the guidance of David Moyes, Everton is slowly climbing their way out of the relegation zone with a string of victories. The latest display of their passion was showcased in the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool on Thursday (February 13, 2025) in the early hours of the morning.
Former Liverpool player, Steve McManaman, who graced The Reds from the early to late 1990s, found the recent Derby Merseyside match reminiscent of the 80s-era games. He noted that the last match at Goodison Park resembled the rough and tumble play of that bygone era.
“The match lacked quality, but it was wild, passionate, and full of intense battles,” McManaman shared with BBC. “There were some expulsions at the end, people were hostile and fighting. It’s no wonder it ended in total chaos.”
The clash between Everton and Liverpool culminated in a heated altercation between players on the field, involving Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones. Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, also received a red card from the referee, Michael Olivier. The pinnacle of the chaos occurred during Everton’s second goal in injury time, scored by James Tarkowski, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
The celebratory moment following the goal led to a confrontation between Doucoure and Jones, with the former taunting Liverpool fans in the away section. This action did not sit well with the Liverpool players, especially Curtis Jones, who swiftly approached Doucoure, sparking a chaotic scene on the field.
Rio Ferdinand, reflecting on the incident, commented on the situation, illustrating the intensity of such moments to TNT Sports. “I’ve been in that situation before,” Ferdinand remarked, shedding light on the emotions and tensions that run high during such matches.
